I recently purchased a house in White Settelement. We have an infestation of red bugs that turn into a larger version but mostly black and they fly. Everyone we have talked too does not know what they are. They are on the trees, in the flower beds and under the bushes. We have sprayed, but to no avail. I don't know how else to describe them. Can someone help me? Dena

can you describe the shape of the bug a little better? Are they red all over? Have you seen them eating anything? They're inside and outside your house? Can you post a picture of them?

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Sandi
Texas Certified Nursery Professional
Texas Master Naturalist
Organic gardener
Tree-Hugger
Native Texan

I have done a little research on these "red bugs" that i think you have...they are ash plant bugs...i get them every early spring...in fact we have tons of them...what i have found out is that they are basically harmless and will not damage a mature tree...the only way that i have been able to find out to get rid of them is with pesticides...not a solution for me...they even get in my house, which is quite annoying...so if anyone has an organic solution i would love to hear it.

did you see the images I posted, a few lines down from this one called "images of the 4-line plant bug"...are you sure it's not that one? Can you post an image of the bug you have?

_________________
Sandi
Texas Certified Nursery Professional
Texas Master Naturalist
Organic gardener
Tree-Hugger
Native Texan

I think you are describing a box elder bug. At least someone called them that. They are red and black bugs that fly and are very communal. I have had them collect on at fence and look like a big red spot from across the yard. They also have a solid red hatchlings. I have controlled them with a simple soap spray.