Thankfully, I think we're past stink bug season. You ever kill one of those things and realize why they call them "stink" bugs? It smells like pungent dead grass or something haha. Lately, though, there are these little black bugs that sort of look like stink bugs but with red backs swarming around the radio station back door.

Most people, if they hate bugs, they don't discriminate, (the people that is), it doesn't matter how big or small, they hate 'em! Have you seen these things lately?

The Boxelder Bug

Boxelder bugs are black with reddish or orange markings on their back. Adult boxelder bugs have a body shape that is a somewhat-flattened and elongated oval and is about half an inch long. They have six legs and two antennae that are typically half of their body length. -pestworld.org

There were literally 15 bugs on the back door just last week, then come to find out I have them all over my screen in the bedroom. There was a boxelder bug on some guys shoulder in line at the store the other day as well! The line was moving too quickly, so I didn't have a chance to tell him.

Are They Harmful?

No, they just are annoying.

Boxelder bugs are nuisance pests. They do not sting or transmit disease, and are generally not known to bite, though there are rare reports of defensive biting. Boxelder bugs are not known to cause damage to homes or significant damage to plants. However, their feces can stain light colored surfaces.

Unlike stink bugs, these guys don't emit a nasty odor if you happen to kill one.