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Bug in house #924796

Asked February 19, 2026, 1:07 PM EST

We have been seeing this bug all over inside our house. The frequency is increasing lately. Can you confirm what it is and give me options of how to get rid of/control it?

Ottawa County Michigan

Expert Response

That is a boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata). They are not harmful but can certainly be a nuisance. They do not reproduce indoors, but they come into structures in the fall as they seek shelter for the winter. They tend to become more active as temperatures warm in the spring, as they try to move back to the outdoors. I am betting they were in wall voids or other out-of-sight places until recently. You can gently escort them outside. Some people find success using a vacuum cleaner to suck them up before disposing of them. You can read more about them here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/boxelder-bug
An Ask Extension Expert Replied February 20, 2026, 11:23 AM EST

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