Maple Bug

[Lisa From Canada]

I don't even know if I've called these pests by their proper name.
I am referring to Red and Black flying bugs that seemed to have appeared
all over our Maple trees. They also gather on buildings within the
vacinity of the tree. I live in Southern Saskatchewan
I'd like to know if they have a purpose and also how to kill them.
Thank you.
Lisa

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Are they a lady bug? The asian one swarms in fall, but they are orange with black spots.

 

[Lisa From Canada]

Thanks for your reply -
No they are definitely not lady bugs - they are thinner and more oval - red
with black bordered wings and black bodies and longer legs (longer than a
lady bugs)
They seem to gather on warm wooden surfaces - mostly on old maple trees -
but I have seen them on the sunny side of buildings etc.
Thx - Lisa

 

[treeclimber165]

When i was a teen, we had those bugs on the 'golden rain' tree in front of our apt. They really don't hurt anything, just a bother. I believe they feed on decaying organic matter. They used to be so thick by our front door that we always used the back door.
Cleaning out built-up leaves/organics will help. A mild app. of malathion should drive most of them away.

 

[Treeman14]

Brian,

I think you've got it. I can't remember the name, either, but I've seen them on raintrees and nearby houses.

Lisa,

Another possibility is boxelder bugs. Check out this website for a picture and description.
http://www.pestproducts.com/boxelderbugs.htm

 

[Lisa From Canada]

Yes, I think its a boxelder bug. Thanx, guys.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Boxelder bettle can overwinter in aticks and walls in large populations.

Call Terminex (I'm a stockholder in ServiceMaster, their parent ) if you find them in the house.