What Eats Box Elder Bugs? (A List of Natural Predators)

AvatarByKelsey Hammons General Blog

Box elder bugs are a common pest in North America, and they can cause damage to both plants and property. But what eats box elder bugs?

There are a number of natural predators that can help to keep box elder bug populations in check. These include birds, spiders, and parasitic wasps. In addition, some plants can also help to deter box elder bugs.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different predators that eat box elder bugs, as well as the plants that can help to keep them away. We’ll also discuss some tips for preventing and controlling box elder bugs on your property.

So if you’re dealing with a box elder bug infestation, read on for more information on how to get rid of them!

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Animal Diet Notes
Birds Insects Box elder bugs are a common food source for birds, such as chickadees, blue jays, and robins.
Insects Other insects Box elder bugs are prey for a variety of other insects, such as lacewings, parasitic wasps, and assassin bugs.
Amphibians Insects Box elder bugs are eaten by amphibians, such as frogs and toads.
Reptiles Insects Box elder bugs are prey for reptiles, such as lizards and snakes.
Mammals Insects Box elder bugs are eaten by mammals, such as mice and squirrels.

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Natural Predators of Box Elder Bugs

Box elder bugs (Acanthosoma helenae) are a type of true bug that are found in North America. They are named for the box elder tree, which is one of their favorite hosts. Box elder bugs are typically brown or black in color, and they have a distinctive white band across their abdomen. They are about 1/2 inch long, and they have long, slender antennae.

Box elder bugs are not considered to be a major pest, but they can become a nuisance when they gather in large numbers. They can also cause damage to plants by sucking sap from the leaves and stems.

There are a number of natural predators that help to keep box elder bug populations in check. These include:

  • Birds

Birds are one of the most important predators of box elder bugs. They eat box elder bugs directly, and they also help to spread the bugs’ parasites and diseases. Some of the birds that eat box elder bugs include:

  • Blue jays
  • Cardinals
  • Chickadees
  • Crows
  • Grackles
  • House sparrows
  • Mockingbirds
  • Nuthatches
  • Orioles
  • Robins
  • Starlings
  • Swallows
  • Wrens
  • Insects

A number of insect species also prey on box elder bugs. These include:

  • Assassin bugs
  • Damsel bugs
  • Ground beetles
  • Lacewings
  • Mantises
  • Praying mantises
  • Robber flies
  • Soldier beetles
  • Syrphid flies
  • Tachinid flies
  • Spiders

Spiders are another important predator of box elder bugs. They catch box elder bugs in their webs, and they also eat them directly. Some of the spiders that eat box elder bugs include:

  • Black widow spiders
  • Crab spiders
  • Garden spiders
  • Jumping spiders
  • Orb-weaver spiders
  • Wolf spiders
  • Other Invertebrates

A number of other invertebrates also prey on box elder bugs. These include:

  • Centipedes
  • Earwigs
  • Millipedes
  • Nematodes
  • Pill bugs
  • Slugs
  • Snails

Beneficial Plants for Attracting Natural Predators

There are a number of plants that can be grown to attract natural predators of box elder bugs. These plants provide food and shelter for the predators, and they also help to create a more favorable habitat. Some of the best plants for attracting natural predators of box elder bugs include:

  • Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family, and it is a favorite food of many insects, including parasitic wasps and tachinid flies. It is also a good source of nectar for bees and butterflies.

  • Dill

Dill is a member of the carrot family, and it is a good source of nectar for bees and butterflies. It also attracts parasitic wasps and tachinid flies.

  • Mint

Mint is a member of the mint family, and it is a good source of nectar for bees and butterflies. It also attracts parasitic wasps and tachinid flies.

  • Yarrow

Yarrow is a member of the aster family, and it is a good source of nectar for bees and butterflies. It also attracts parasitic wasps and tachinid flies.

By planting these plants in your garden, you can help to create a more favorable habitat for natural predators of box elder bugs. This will help to keep your garden free of these pests.

3. Chemical Insecticides for Killing Box Elder Bugs

There are a number of chemical insecticides that can be used to kill box elder bugs. These insecticides can be purchased at most hardware stores and garden centers. It is important to read the label carefully before using any insecticide, and to follow the directions exactly.

Some of the most common chemical insecticides for killing box elder bugs include:

  • Pyrethrin-based insecticides: Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It is effective against a wide range of insects, including box elder bugs. Pyrethrin-based insecticides are available in both liquid and aerosol formulations.
  • Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is derived from the seeds of the neem tree. It is effective against a wide range of insects, including box elder bugs. Neem oil is available in both liquid and concentrate formulations.
  • Soapy water: Soapy water can be used to kill box elder bugs. To make soapy water, mix 1 part dish soap with 4 parts water. Spray the soapy water directly on the box elder bugs. Soapy water can also be used to kill box elder bug eggs.

4. Non-Chemical Methods for Controlling Box Elder Bugs

In addition to chemical insecticides, there are a number of non-chemical methods that can be used to control box elder bugs. These methods include:

  • Vacuuming: Vacuuming can be used to remove box elder bugs from your home or property. Be sure to vacuum all of the cracks and crevices where box elder bugs may be hiding.
  • Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is effective against a wide range of insects, including box elder bugs. Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around your home or property to deter box elder bugs.
  • Sticky traps: Sticky traps can be used to catch box elder bugs. Sticky traps can be placed around your home or property to catch box elder bugs as they try to enter.

Box elder bugs can be a nuisance, but they can be controlled with a combination of chemical and non-chemical methods. By following the tips in this article, you can keep box elder bugs out of your home and property.

What eats box elder bugs?

  • Ladybugs are one of the most common predators of box elder bugs. They feed on the adults and nymphs of box elder bugs, and can help to keep populations under control.
  • Parasitic wasps are another important predator of box elder bugs. These wasps lay their eggs on or near box elder bugs, and the larvae that hatch from the eggs feed on the bugs.
  • Birds, such as chickadees, titmice, and woodpeckers, will eat box elder bugs. They will often find them clustered on trees or other structures, and will eat them as a source of food.
  • Rodents, such as squirrels and mice, will also eat box elder bugs. They will often find them on the ground, and will eat them as a source of food.
  • Amphibians, such as frogs and toads, will eat box elder bugs. They will often find them in water, and will eat them as a source of food.
  • Fish will also eat box elder bugs. They will often find them in water, and will eat them as a source of food.

How can I get rid of box elder bugs?

There are a few different ways to get rid of box elder bugs.

  • Physical removal: You can physically remove box elder bugs from your property by hand, or by using a vacuum cleaner.
  • Chemical control: You can use insecticides to kill box elder bugs. However, it is important to use these products carefully, as they can be harmful to other animals and plants.
  • Biological control: You can introduce natural predators of box elder bugs, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, to your property. This can help to keep populations under control without the use of chemicals.
  • Environmental control: You can make your property less attractive to box elder bugs by removing any sources of food and water. This includes clearing away fallen leaves and debris, and making sure that your gutters are clean.

What are the signs of a box elder bug infestation?

  • The presence of box elder bugs on your property is the most obvious sign of an infestation. You may see them clustered on trees or other structures, or crawling around on your lawn or patio.
  • Damage to plants: Box elder bugs can damage plants by sucking sap from the leaves and stems. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown, and the stems to become weak and stunted.
  • Honeydew: Box elder bugs secrete a sugary substance called honeydew. This honeydew can attract other pests, such as ants and wasps.
  • Odor: Box elder bugs have a strong, unpleasant odor. This odor can be especially noticeable when they are crushed or disturbed.

How do box elder bugs affect humans?

Box elder bugs are not known to transmit any diseases to humans. However, they can be a nuisance because they can bite and they can secrete a foul-smelling substance.

What are the best ways to prevent a box elder bug infestation?

There are a few things you can do to prevent a box elder bug infestation.

  • Keep your property clean: This includes removing any sources of food and water, such as fallen leaves and debris.
  • Seal any cracks or crevices around your home: This will help to prevent box elder bugs from getting inside.
  • Install screens on your windows and doors: This will help to keep box elder bugs out.
  • Use a repellent: You can use a repellent to keep box elder bugs away from your property. However, it is important to use these products carefully, as they can be harmful to other animals and plants.
  • Introduce natural predators: You can introduce natural predators of box elder bugs, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, to your property. This can help to keep populations under control without the use of chemicals.

    box elder bugs are a common pest that can be found in many parts of North America. They can cause damage to plants and trees, and they can also be a nuisance to humans. However, there are a number of natural predators that can help to control box elder bug populations, including birds, spiders, and parasitic wasps. By understanding the natural enemies of box elder bugs, we can help to keep these pests in check and protect our plants and trees.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Box elder bugs are a type of true bug that are native to North America.
  • They are named for the box elder tree, which is one of their preferred hosts.
  • Box elder bugs can cause damage to plants and trees, and they can also be a nuisance to humans.
  • There are a number of natural predators that can help to control box elder bug populations, including birds, spiders, and parasitic wasps.
  • By understanding the natural enemies of box elder bugs, we can help to keep these pests in check and protect our plants and trees.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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