Meet the boxelder bug, another annoying insect trying to invade your Coshocton County home

Move out of the way, stink bugs — there’s a new fall bug in town.

Well, not just one bug. A couple of them.

The invasion of brown marmorated stink bugs is a clear indication of fall. But recently, a bug you may have never heard of called the boxelder bug has been found to slink into homes in Ohio, according to Buckeye Yard and Garden Online .

Want to know more about this critter? Here’s what to know about the boxelder bug, plus other six-legged invaders in Ohio.

What does a boxelder bug look like?

According to Ohioline OSU , the boxelder bug is an elongated, narrow-bodied insect with a flat back that is less than an inch long. They appear dark brownish-black with three red stripes behind the head. Their abdomen is a bright red underneath, with reddish margins on the front of the wings.

Where has the boxelder bug been found?

The Boxelder bug is not new, but it’s not known as a fall bug. They have been found throughout Ohio, invading homes and trees, according to BYGL.

During the warmer days of autumn, these bugs tend to seek shelter before winter begins, often finding themselves in buildings and houses. Over last weekend, boxelder bug sightings were predicted to increase due to the warmer weather conditions.

Like other bugs, boxelder bugs may fly into homes through open doors and windows, but they may also enter homes through cracks around doors, windows, and roof soffits.

Boxelder bugs are named after a tree that hosts them

Boxelder bugs have a favorite tree, and it’s called—you guessed it—the female boxelder tree.

Boxelder trees are common in Ohio and are found in rural bottomlands and neglected urban areas, according to the ODNR . Boxelder trees are known to be “dioecious,” meaning one tree produces male or female flowers, but not both.

Boxelder bugs are known to gather on Boxelder female trees but not male. Boxelder bugs also live in other trees, as they are seed-feeders, and use their piercing mouths to draw sap from trees.

Boxelder bugs have three generations

Boxelder bugs come in two different ages: nymphs and adults.

One generation of boxelder bugs live in the winter, while two generations live in warmer temperatures, according to BYGL. Each season ends with a mix of nymphs and adults, but only adults make it through the winter in one piece.

How do late boxelder nymphs become adults and survive the winter? Cannibalism

In order to survive the winter, boxelder bug nymphs first need to make it to adulthood. They sometimes turn to cannibalism.

Want to know something spooky? Older nymphs tend to attack and eat younger nymphs to attain energy to develop and survive the winter.

More fall insect invaders in Ohio? Yikes

Stink bugs and boxelder bugs aren't the only insects that will annoy you while they look for warmer shelter for the winter.

Other bugs, such as the western conifer seed bug, magnolia seed bug, and, of course, the Asian lady beetle, are known to seek shelter in homes to survive the winter.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Meet the boxelder bug, another annoying insect trying to invade your Coshocton County home