![]() ![]() We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).As a farmer, the very last thing you want to see in your garden are bad insects and related pests, crawling and wiggling their way to cause damage. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information is for educational purposes only. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Smart gardeners know to appreciate that touch of temporary color they offer and then get back to pulling weeds. In late spring or early summer, they have hatched and are wandering around in groups. They are bright red with black wing pads on their backs and are only one-sixteenth of an inch long. Soon, a new generation of boxelder bugs is born. Eggs are laid on trunks, branches and leaves of their favorite kind of tree. In the spring, the adults leave the wall voids and return to the shining leaves, warm temperatures and bug excitement. As many people have discovered, they turn left instead of right and end up on a windowsill or wall indoors. During early spring, sunny days warm the wall interior and semi-conscious insects think spring has come and squeeze out the nearest crack. The only decision to make after that is which side of the wall insulation to hibernate. They slowly squeeze themselves into cracks and openings and head for the wall void, which is the space between the outer wall and the inner wall. ![]() They gravitate to the south and west sides of homes because these are the warmest sides. This crowd could include boxelder bugs as well as western conifer seed bugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles, cluster flies and possibly brown marmorated stink bugs. In the fall when the first cold nights and warm days happen, insects that overwinter, or spend the winter as adults, begin looking for a location to sleep away the winter. Boxelder bugs suck the gooey goodness out of boxelder tree flowers and leaves and appear not to damage any other landscaping. True bugs are sucking insects, and the boxelder bug feeds on the flowers and seeds of the tree from which it gets its name. ![]() This insect is called a true bug or Hemiptera. This means the tree does not have to be on your property or the neighbor’s it may be as much as a half mile away. Boxelder bugs ( Leptocoris trivittatus or Boisea trivittatus) are common in areas that have boxelder trees. However, this is one of those events where it is not necessary to do anything other than stop and stare. The concern is that there is some nefarious purpose planned for the landscaping. Adult boxelder bugs are approximately one-half inch in length. As they grow to adulthood, their body color changes from red to dark gray with red pin striping around the wings and body. The nymphs, or juveniles, are bright red with only a bit of black trim. They can be found on rocks and mulch, sitting quietly and soaking up the rays. Obviously, a group of red insects attracts attention. Michigan State University Extension horticulture educators and Master Gardener hotlines will talk to people who have seen “the red menace.” What gardeners are finding are boxelder bug nymphs in their favorite flowers and plants. Within the next month or two, some Michigan gardeners will be surprised and possibly frightened by many small, red insects sunning themselves in their gardens. ![]()
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