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Red garden bugs #753595

Asked June 02, 2021, 4:26 PM EDT

Could you please help identify these red garden bugs? Just noticed them a couple of days after a heavy rain. They're in various spots throughout the garden, and in one area seem to be clustered atop a magnolia leaf. Are they beneficial, harmless, or problem bugs? Thanks so much!

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Those are a young life stage (nymphs) of Boxelder Bugs. (and it looks like they are feasting on a cicada together).

They are very common but not of concern in your garden. Some people have issues with them congregating near their home in the fall as they attempt to find warmer places to spend the winter. 

Here is our page on them: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/boxelder-bugs

They don't need any type of treatment, but it is always good to check and tighten up your caulking, door sweeps, and window screens/cracks around your home before winter, including around areas where utilities (pipes, wires etc.) enter the home.

Christine

Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 03, 2021, 9:51 AM EDT
Hi Christine,

This is so helpful--thanks a million! And wonderful news that they don't require spraying or other treatment.



On Thu, Jun 3, 2021 at 9:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2021, 9:59 AM EDT

You are welcome. We are happy to help. The huge majority of insects do not require treatment, particularly if you don't use lots of pesticides in your landscape. This allows beneficial insects to help naturally control the pesty ones.

Christine

Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 03, 2021, 10:01 AM EDT
Good to know! Thanks again.
On Thu, Jun 3, 2021 at 10:02 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2021, 10:04 AM EDT

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