In the past week to ten days I have seen these little red bugs on my patio and the plants next to it. I have never noticed them before this summer. What are they, and what should I know about them?
The largest of the group appear to be about 1/4 inch long. In the pictures below they are clustered on and around a silver maple seed.
Nymphs of boxelder bugs, they feed primarily on the deeds of boxelder and other members of the maple family. They can be nuisance pests when they occur in large numbers in or near buildings. I can remember them appearing by the gazillion in late summer on the southeastern exposure of our farmhouse near Minot...
Thank you! I wondered if that might be the case because the older bugs appeared to be developing black edges to what could be wings.
I think I will spray them with insecticidal soap.
