Entomology (Study of Bugs)/Red bug

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Expert: Nathan Riggs - 1/9/2008


Question

red bugs
I have this red spider/bug that is all over my child's swing set and you please tell what they are and if they are harmful and what to do to get rid of them.
Thanks

Answer
This appears to be a batch of immature boxelder bugs.  These feed on the sap from boxelder seed pods and other trees and gather in large groups.  They are harmless to humans, animals and buildings.  Since they gather in groups, they can be controlled with a small pesticide spray targeted at the group.  However, these can occur in large numbers and sometimes treating them is not feasible because others will move in and take their place.  They certainly are a spectacle, but more of a nuisance than anything.

Thanks for the email!

Nathan Riggs

Expertise

I currently live in San Antonio, TX and have expertise in identifying insects, many types of spiders, and other arthropod critters that infest lawns, ornamentals, structures, trees, pets and livestock. Mites are not a strong point of mine. I'm not a licensed doctor, so I cannot provide medical diagnosis of conditions possibly related to insects or other arthropods. If you've got an interesting photo for me to see, let me know and I'll give you my email so the picture will get to me. If you have hosted an insect photo on a website, please include the link so I can go look at it and provide a faster ID for you. Don't forget...you can now attach pictures to your questions as well!

Experience

19 Years' Experience as an entomologist: 5 years as a biologist with Merck Animal Health and 7 years as an Integrated Pest Management(IPM)Specialist in San Antonio, Texas with Texas Cooperative Extension.

Publications
Veterinary Parasitology, Southwestern Entomologist, San Antonio Express News, San Antonio Gardener Newsletter

Education/Credentials
BS - Entomology from Texas A&M University in 1992.

Board Certified Entomologist, 1996-2000 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology Specialty (Entomological Society of America)

Awards and Honors
2000 Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence for leadership on the Texas Fire Ant Program Educational Team.

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