What insect is red and black in color, neither bites, nor buzzes nor chews plants, can be a nuisance in and around homes from fall through early spring, and is celebrated in poem and parade? The boxelder bug has this claim to fame.

It is an oval shaped insect, about ½ inch long, ranging in color from dark brown to slate gray or black with three red lines behind the head and on the wings. It does not sting or bite and does little harm to trees. The boxelder tree seedpods are the chief source of food for these insects although they will feed on other seed-bearing trees such as maple, ash, cherry or apple. In late summer the adults and older nymphs leave the trees in search of dry, protected areas for winter. This is where the trouble begins.

Boxelder bugs usually bring attention to themselves on warm fall and winter days as they congregate in masses on the exteriors of buildings and enter cracks, crevices and screen doors in abundance. Large numbers are usually seen around foundations. Inside the home, boxelder bugs may stain curtains and walls. They do not damage food or other items in the home.

Controlling the bugs can be as simple as screening or sealing cracks or entrances and vacuuming bugs inside the home. When the insects congregate on buildings, spray the sides and foundation of the house and a 3-foot strip around the house with a residual insecticide. An alternative method is to use laundry detergent mixed with hot water and sprayed directly on the bugs. If using this method you will need to be careful to avoid contact with plants that are sensitive to detergent spray. The most permanent solution is to remove female boxelder trees or spray the trees with Sevin while the bugs are still in the trees. If all else fails you could collect a few bugs and head to Minneota, Minnesota the weekend after Labor Day to be part of the Boxelder Bug Days 3-day celebration.
 
 

For more information about Boxelder Bugs, contact: The OSU Extension, Union County Office,  246 West Fifth Street, Marysville, OH 43040-1195,  Or Log-on To:  http://plantfacts.ohio-state.edu/