Swarm of red/black insects
June 13, 2009
Swarm of red/black insects
Your letter to the bugman (please provide as much narrative and information as possible) I have what I would describe as a swarm of red and black insects on the side of my house and my neighbor’s house. There are two distinct looking types. One is larger and more black than red while the other is smaller and is more red than black, and there are tinyred ones I can only assume are babies everywhere.
Nathan Elsener
North Central West Virginia
Hi Nathan,
Boxelder Bugs like the ones in your photo are one of our most frequently requested identifications. The Boxelder Bugs frequently form large aggregations of nymphs and adults. Other than being a nuisance, the Boxelder Bugs are benign.
Hi Bugman, This time of the year, this would be a good candidate, for nuisance of the month!
What can I do to get rid of these bugs? Can I keep them from getting into my home?
We do not provide extermination advice.
Are they toxic to livestock?
To the best of our knowledge,they are not toxic to livestock.
My house is almost covered with boxelder bugs. I live in Florida. What can I do. They seem to be nesting in the eaves where I cannot get to them. They are getting into the house. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We do not provide extermination advice.