Boxelder Bugs and Stink Bugs: What’s That Bug Crawling on My Wall?

It’s a cool fall afternoon, and you’re relaxing at home—until you notice a black-and-red bug or a shield-shaped insect crawling along your wall. Don’t panic. Chances are, you’re seeing one of two common seasonal invaders: boxelder bugs or stink bugs. While these pests aren’t usually harmful, they can become a nuisance when they start showing up indoors.

At Brooks Pest Control, we get plenty of calls this time of year from homeowners wondering what these bugs are, why they’re in the house, and how to get rid of them. Let’s break it down.

Boxelder Bugs: The Black-and-Red Invaders

Boxelder bugs are small, black insects with bright red or orange markings along their wings. They’re especially attracted to boxelder, maple, and ash trees.

• Why they’re here: In fall, boxelder bugs seek out warm, sheltered spaces to overwinter. That often means sneaking into cracks around windows, doors, and siding.
• Are they dangerous? No. Boxelder bugs don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases. But in large numbers, they can stain walls, curtains, and furniture with their droppings.

When to expect them: Late summer into fall is their prime invasion season.

Stink Bugs: The Shield-Shaped Pests

Brown marmorated stink bugs are named for their shield-like shape and notorious odor. When threatened or squished, they release a pungent smell as a defense mechanism.

• Why they’re here: Like boxelder bugs, stink bugs move indoors in the fall to escape cold weather. They hide in attics, basements, and wall voids.
• Are they dangerous? Not to humans. They don’t bite or sting, but they do cause agricultural damage by feeding on fruits and crops. In homes, the real issue is the odor and annoyance.

When to expect them: You’ll see them most often during fall and on warm winter days when they emerge from hiding.

How to Keep Boxelder and Stink Bugs Out of Your Home

Prevention is the best way to handle these pests. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Seal entry points: Check around windows, doors, siding, vents, and chimneys for cracks or gaps. Seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Repair screens: Make sure window and door screens are intact and fit snugly.
• Vacuum, don’t squish: If you see them indoors, use a vacuum to remove them instead of crushing them (especially stink bugs).

• Professional barrier treatments: A seasonal pest control treatment around the exterior of your home can dramatically reduce the number of invaders.

Don’t Share Your Home with Fall Pests

While boxelder bugs and stink bugs won’t harm you, they don’t belong inside your living space. If you’re tired of finding them on your walls, Brooks Pest Control is here to help. Our expert technicians provide targeted treatments to keep these pests outside where they belong—all year long.

Ready to reclaim your walls from unwanted invaders?
Contact Brooks Pest Control today to schedule your fall pest service.