What are these red bugs swarming in my garden. - Ask Extension
Good morning. I am hoping someone can identify these red insects. They were present in my south-facing flower garden last year, but this year they are...
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What are these red bugs swarming in my garden. #870422
Asked May 28, 2024, 1:07 PM EDT
Good morning. I am hoping someone can identify these red insects. They were present in my south-facing flower garden last year, but this year they are swarming by the thousands. I had left leaves in the flower bed over winter, and wonder if they were wintering in there.
They are swarming on my echineachia (tallest plant in photo) and it is being munched on by something. They are also on the aster plant - but its leaves look fine. The black eyed susan in the middle was planted a few days ago. They also like to sit on the concrete blocks under the bottom row of siding.
Yesterday I removed all the leaf little around these plants and this morning even more were perched on my plants. So far, they are have not spread - as far as I can tell - to the western end of this flower bed.
I have tried spraying them with a mixture of Neem Oil/dishsoap but that does not deter them. I do not like using commercial insecticides.
Your wisdom and knowledge are appreciated.
Thallia
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Thank you for your question.
I believe your pictures are of a boxelder bug nymph (a young bug). During the lifecycle of these insects, the black markings change. This site shows the different stages:
Boxelder bugs | UMN Extension
This site also states that these insects are more of a nuisance than a threat to most plants. I think you are correct that they over-wintered in the leaf litter, but naturalists like Doug Tallamy say that we should leave the leaf litter for the insects, so we are in a quandary. Boxelder bugs are usually more of a problem in the fall when they try to get inside homes.
I am surprised Neem oil didn't work for you, but I commend you for trying this instead of stronger insecticides.
Apparently, boxelder insects eat seeds especially from boxelder trees and maple trees. Something else might be eating your perennials, or maybe there aren't enough seeds available. This site describes what they eat:
What Do Boxelder Bugs Eat: A Friendly Guide to Their Diet - What's That Bug? (whatsthatbug.com)
I would probably try to use a strong spray to dislodge them. I'd try this several times. They seem to dislike the cold and moisture. They multiply during hot summers. Depending on your level of tolerance, if you can decrease the infestation by repeated hosing or repeated applications of Neem, it'll be easier to live with a few. I wish you good luck!
I believe your pictures are of a boxelder bug nymph (a young bug). During the lifecycle of these insects, the black markings change. This site shows the different stages:
Boxelder bugs | UMN Extension
This site also states that these insects are more of a nuisance than a threat to most plants. I think you are correct that they over-wintered in the leaf litter, but naturalists like Doug Tallamy say that we should leave the leaf litter for the insects, so we are in a quandary. Boxelder bugs are usually more of a problem in the fall when they try to get inside homes.
I am surprised Neem oil didn't work for you, but I commend you for trying this instead of stronger insecticides.
Apparently, boxelder insects eat seeds especially from boxelder trees and maple trees. Something else might be eating your perennials, or maybe there aren't enough seeds available. This site describes what they eat:
What Do Boxelder Bugs Eat: A Friendly Guide to Their Diet - What's That Bug? (whatsthatbug.com)
I would probably try to use a strong spray to dislodge them. I'd try this several times. They seem to dislike the cold and moisture. They multiply during hot summers. Depending on your level of tolerance, if you can decrease the infestation by repeated hosing or repeated applications of Neem, it'll be easier to live with a few. I wish you good luck!
