Box elder bugs
Boisea trivittata
We always notice a few of these bugs in the house each fall. It was only a few years ago that we found out they're box elder bugs (named after the tree). Apparently they're essentially harmless.
Fun fact about box elder bugs: they're from an order known as "true bugs."
Anyway, the Gazette reports there's been a bumper crop of box elder bugs this fall in the Capital Region.
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Comments
So funny that you did a post on these little guys! I thought only houses out in the country got them. My parents live down on the Hudson River in the Town of Bethlehem and the box elder bugs totally swarm the house when it gets warm. Every time I visit I tend to carry one home with me without even knowing - they are totally harmless.
My parents found out that if you remove box elder trees that grow around your property, then that will greatly reduce the number of bug friends that hang around since they feed on those trees. Just a little hint! :)
... said Judi H. on Nov 19, 2010 at 5:58 PM | link
We have had them in Green Island for years!!!!!! They come out about two or three times a year and are everywhere. Then they disappear just as quick
... said Lwoodbluz on Nov 19, 2010 at 7:48 PM | link
The most common misconception about these guys that I've heard is that they are stink bugs. They aren't stink bugs! They don't hurt anything really, but they can be really curious and annoying. I can't count how many times I've reached for a pen or a mug to find one right where I'm about to place my hand.
But, it's my own fault - I see so many of them at home and at work in the fall and spring that I've given up on killing them.. I just let them roam around and occasionally give them a flick when they're bugging me (sorry).
... said Paul on Nov 19, 2010 at 9:50 PM | link
So funny you just did this piece. They were infesting our house on Lark and it took us a bit of searching to find out what they were and that they weren't eating the house! We have an Elder tree right in the back yard. They are actually very pleasant bugs!
... said Ben on Nov 20, 2010 at 10:21 AM | link
Elder bugs, broiled for 5 minutes, topped with hot sauce and a dash of salt - good eating!
... said Barold on Nov 20, 2010 at 3:27 PM | link