So when you originally posted were you seeking information on how to prevent the problem in the future or just posting a casual observation? That's what I assumed - looking for recommendations. If so then eliminating box elder trees, raking up and disposing of the tree droppings, and treatment with specific pesticides are the standard recommended solutions. And removal of that species of tree shouldn't be scoffed at. It has proven to be quite effective in many parts of the country according to several state extension studies that are published. Many aren't even aware that there is such a thing as a box elder tree, what they look like, and the role they play in the bug infestation. While it is true that the bugs can exist even without the trees they won't be in such excessive numbers. But if tree removal isn't an option for some reason then I guess all you can do is avoid planting the areas where they will normally congregate - like the south side of any structures. Or I guess if you had to plant in that area then you'd have to rig up some sort of plant cover or shelter to block excrement access to the plants. Dave

Okay, was just googling on these guys. It sounds like I should consider myself lucky they haven't found their way into the house. I had seen some crawling outside on windows a few weeks ago, thought "What bugs are those?" and then forgot about them until I found the orgy in the little ring bed around the tree. (Which I've decided to stop....it's a mess of roots now, thanks to my application last fall of bunny poo) They're actually very pretty bugs, but so sexed up. I'm guessing this is the first time I've really seen bugs mating. For anyone who searches and finds this thread, here's a paragraph of interest on boxelders (from an extermination company): The bugs themselves are absolutely harmless - very laid-back little fellows, they'll let you handle them, they're not dirty or anything and they won't sting you or eat anything inside your house. The more you have, however, the more you'll notice that the bugs will "spot." A nice word for you-know-what. It is also quite difficult to remove the spots after a few hours.

You can differentiate between the Stinkbug nymphs and the Assassin Bug nymphs by the tail end. I have a little blurb that helps me: "Bad Black Bump" which is what the Stinkbug nymphs sport on their butt tips when they are smallish and congregating like little orange ants with long black legs. The clue is "congregate". Stinkbugs are groupies, and usually appear as a whole mass of them together, usually on top of your best tomato... Assassin Bugs, true to their name, are singular and solitary. You will usually encounter them one at a time, or, in my case, if you have a "herd" of them in your milkweed, you will see them down there with adequate space between themselves, and being rather territorial... I consider my "herd" of Assassins to be Allies. They patrol the grass and milkweed and keep EVERYTHING from crawling up to my veggie plants. The downside is that they are afraid of nothing, and will kill EVERYTHING in their path, so this means they do take out some of your beneficial bugs (bennies) as well. However, it's a trade-off, 'cause the bennies might relocate to the other side of your yard and be very safe and happy... Linda

You know I don't think that's a box elder bug. Milkweed bugs look very similar and I don't think box elder bugs have that blobby red bar behind their head. I think they just have the chevrons on the wing area. Go to Google images and search for "box elder bug" and "milkweed bug" and compare. Or ask this question on www.bugguide.net under the section "ID Request". They will ID it for you. Bugguide can also be searched for the box elder bug and milkweed bug. They are a database of thousands of images taxonomically categorized. You could also try www.whatsthatbug.com. p.s. Our state bird here in Michigan is the mosquito.