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Box elder · Acer negundo

What are these bugs on my box elder?

Box elder trees are famous for attracting boxelder bugs, which are common visitors. Check the leaves and bark to see if you have an infestation that needs management.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the foliage.
  3. Check the bark for clusters of bugs.

Likely causes

  1. Boxelder bugs

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see clusters of black bugs with red markings on the leaves or trunk. They are most active during warm, sunny days.

    What to do: Spray the bugs directly with a strong stream of water from your hose. For heavy infestations, use an insecticidal soap spray on the affected branches.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves look curled or sticky with a shiny substance called honeydew. You might see tiny green or black insects on the undersides of leaves.

    What to do: Wash the leaves with a gentle spray of water. If they persist, apply neem oil to the leaves in the evening.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your box elder

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Small numbers of bugs are rarely a threat to a mature tree. Worry if the leaves are curling or dropping prematurely due to heavy feeding.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree healthy with proper watering and pruning to improve airflow. Remove debris from around the base to reduce hiding spots.

Box elder: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your box elder and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Do boxelder bugs kill the tree?
Usually no. They are mostly a nuisance to homeowners when they try to enter houses in the fall.
Should I use harsh chemicals?
Avoid strong pesticides as they can kill beneficial insects. Try water sprays or insecticidal soaps first.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Box elder

Back to the Box elder guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.