What Are the Tiny Orange Insects on My Tree?

Description

• A number of trees are prone to infestation from boxelder bugs, ½-inch-long insects with black bodies and red and orange coloring. The wings overlap each other to create an X-shape on the body and lie flat. Younger pests or nymphs are tiny in size, only 1/16 inch in length, and bright red in color. The insects are noticeable during the fall as they try to seek warmer spots inside the house to overwinter. The pests start to come out of their overwintering sites as soon as the weather starts to warm up in the spring.

Host Trees

• Boxelder bugs have a wide range of host plants. These include apple, ash, boxelder, ageratum, cacti, buckeye, cherry, coleus, chinaberry, foxtail, geranium, crabgrass, grape, hollyhock, iris, lavender, honeylocust, honeysuckle, linden, pear, peach, pinoak, silver maple, soft maple, tree of heaven, strawberries, tulips and soap berry. Boxelder bugs are primarily found on female boxelder trees.

Damage

• The bugs feed on the fruit of fruit trees and the seed pods on other trees. Their favorite food is the pods produced by the female boxelder trees. After emerging from their overwintering sites during spring, the females lay red eggs on leaves and in crevices in the trees' bark. The wingless nymphs feed on foliage until the development of seed or fruit on the affected tree. The pests then start feeding on these. These insects do not bite humans and rarely damage indoor plants if they find their way inside the house. Pests that do get inside your house will not reproduce.

Control

• If the pests are a persistent problem, then getting rid of any female boxelder trees on the property is a highly effective control strategy. A solution made with laundry detergent helps with control when applied directly on the pests. Use a vacuum to suck up any insects inside the house. Products such as household insecticidal sprays can also help with control. Repair doors and window screens, and install door sweeps or thresholds to prevent insects from entering the house.