Knowledgebase
What kind of insect is this, and is it harmful inside my house? #857409
Asked January 15, 2024, 4:46 PM EST
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Tom, Thanks for the question. Sawflies are no threat inside your house. Apparently they emerged when you brought the wood indoors. Conifer sawflies feed on needles. Sometimes new growth needles and sometimes old needles - time to move the Christmas tree outdoors. Haha!
Paul
Mastre Gardener volunteer
Tom, After looking closer at your insect photo, it was determined that it is not a sawfly but rather a red headed ash bore. They likely did come in on your firewood but are not likely to re-infest wood in your house. Not harmful to people. See link below for more detail:
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/indoor/beetles/medium/redheadedashborer.html
Paul
On Jan 17, 2024, at 7:03 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tom, You don't want carpenter ants inside your house so make certain they are not in fire wood you are bringing in. See info here on carpenter ants: https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/carpenter-ants#indoor-control-of-carpenter-ants-104012
Here is införmation on those harmless but nuisance boxelder bugs: https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/boxelder-bugs#what-to-do-about-boxelder-bugs-outdoors-117860
Thanks for the questions. I hope this information is helpful.
Paul