Eastern boxelder bugs overwinter in plant debris or protected human-inhabited places and other suitable structures.

However, eastern boxelder bugs are strong-smelling and to discourage predators will release a pungent and bad-tasting compound upon being disturbed.

The current range of this species covers the eastern United States, southern Canada, Mexico, and south into Guatemala.

Once inside inhabited areas of a home, their excreta may stain upholstery, carpets, drapes, and they may feed on certain types of house plants.

[7] In the spring, the bugs leave their winter hibernation locations to feed and lay eggs on maple or ash trees.

Their outdoor congregation habits and indoor excreta deposits are perceived as a nuisance by some people, therefore eastern boxelder bugs are often considered pests in those contexts.

Although they specialize on eating the seeds from maple, boxelder and ash,[2] they may pierce other parts of the plant while feeding, but incidentally.

[7] Spiders and cats are minor predators,[7] but because of the boxelder bug's chemical defenses few birds or other animals will eat them.