FAQS: Life Sciences Unit
When Maple Bugs gather in huge hoards in the fall, what are they doing?
In autumn, Maple Bugs (also called Boxelder Bugs) often gather in large numbers around buildings where there are lots of warm places to hibernate for the winter. They hide in cracks and crevices in walls and around foundations, windows and doors, and in tree hollows and stone piles. These insects are harmless – they don’t damage the trees that they feed on, and they don’t bite, sting or otherwise cause a health risk to humans. If you want to reduce the number of Maple Bugs around your home, try to eliminate potential hiding places; rake up leaves around the foundation, caulk and close openings where the bugs can enter the house and remove piles of debris such as boards and rocks from the area.
For further information contact the Curator of Life Sciences
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