Although many young insects may be present in the fall, only full-grown bugs survive the winter. These adult boxelder bugs are capable of flying several blocks. Some homes are especially attractive to boxelder bugs, while neighboring buildings may have few. This usually depends upon the amount of southern or sunny exposure a building has. Boxelder bugs like sunny areas and are attracted to buildings with a lot of southern exposure.
Buildings standing taller than surrounding structures can also attract large numbers of bugs.
Although some people attribute the clustering of boxelder bugs to the color of the building, boxelder bugs are found on buildings of all colors. As weather cools, these insects will push into cracks and enter houses near foundations. Many crawl under siding or shingles and get into wall voids and attics. They also may enter through doors, windows, vent openings, and other accessible areas. Once indoors, boxelder bugs are nothing more than nuisances.