Do you have any suggestions on how to get rid of fireflys? They are all over our front porch and get into the house. We tried spraying with that home defense stuff, killed some but back they came!! They disappear when it gets cold and I thought they were gone, but it has warmed up again and they're back!! They are about to drive me crazy!! Any and all info would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

Could you have a very bright house after dark.

With a river across the road and a marsh behind our home, the summer bugs can get very thick.
Keeping the shades drawn and outdoor lights off, insects don't even know we are here.

 

They are only around in the daylight and disappear at night (weird). They act like they are trying take refuge in our home, they get between the screen and door and as soon as it's opened in they fly!! We are close to the river and the bright lights of downtown, whether that makes any difference. I guess they like us!!

 

Sure you don't mean Ladybugs??

fred

 

Another possibility if you are in or near Florida is that they aren't fireflys but Lovebugs. They look similar but are only out during the daylight hours. No known remedy for them except cold. They can be a major pest and have clogged radiatior fins of cars in the south and damage to the paint. These are small black bugs that usually are seen in pairs, They have a red or orange band around the body near the head. Not really sure what they are good for since the birds don't seem to eat them. The old story about them being genetically engineered to rid us of mosquitoes isn't true either.

When the weather turns cold they dissapear. When it warms back up they return with a vengance.

 

One of the shortcomings of this website is that it will not require members to post their State info. Without that info we are limited when it comes to posting insulation, gardening, insect & animal pest info, & lots of other areas of info that are so regionally or state specified.

First of all, fireflies are what we used to call lightning bugs when I was a kid. They twinkle in your backyard at night. We used to catch them and put them in a jar and watch them twinkle until we went to sleep at night. Their yellow glow is a product of their protein intake and is used as a form of communication. This section of their bodies which lights up is usually about half of a firefly's total weight.

Two major pests of note are Asian Lady Beetles. They look like Lady Bugs but are not. Another is the black & red Box Elder Bug. Love Bugs? Just got back from a business trip to Tampa. The driver's Hummer was covered with these little black-winged insects united back-to-back in mating position.

Please provide more description of the insect for further identification so that we can provide you with some control measures. Or, collect a sample or two and take to your local Dept. of Agriculture Extension Agent for identification and recommended control measures in your area. Not all chemicals are available in all areas. Please post back.

 

Ok, we live in Northeastern Nevada. These are box elder bugs (my mistake) I looked for a picture on the internet and sure enough there they were. Still doesn't solve the problem. We are thinking the problem could possibly be coming from our neighbors yard and if that's the case not much we can do. I thank all of you for your input on this matter.

 

Box elder bugs feed on trees and vegetation. There is nothing in your home on which they could feed unless you have houseplants, but they would not discover those until after they entered the structure. Like Asian lady beetles if they find a structure in which to overwinter, they will be relentless in doing so. Once inside the structure, vaccuuming is recommended.

If you do not seal entries, then they will continually invade the home. Be ever vigilant in the landscape for insect infestations. Soap & water solution tends to be very effective on box elder bugs.

Treating lawn with insecticide will eliminate most insect pests in the landscape. If pests have moved inside structure, you will need to treat exterior with insecticide. Contact your local Dept. of Agriculture Extension Agent and find out what chemicals are available in your area (not all are available in all areas) and if you have vinyl siding you need a product that will not discolor it. Treating exterior of home with insecticide dust or spray as indicated by the Extension Agent or manufacturer and sealing entries for exclusion are the best control measures.

Boxelder bug adults are about 1/2 inch long. They are slate-gray with three red lines behind the head and red lines on the wings. The rear half of the wings have a reddish margin and the abdomen under the wings is also red. Nymphs (young bugs) are bright red with darker heads. They resemble adults, but their wings do not fully develop until they reach maturity. While they may be found on other plants, they primarily feed on the juices of the boxelder tree. They usually do insignificant damage, but they can find their way into homes through cracks and crevices around doors and windows when looking for a place to overwinter.

Removing boxelder trees from the landscape may be helpful. Insecticide can be used when bugs are young to prevent development into adults. Residual insecticide can be used on and around foundations of structures. Soapy water is a non-chemical control. Exclusion is the best insect control for homes by caulking and sealing all cracks and crevices around doors and windows and other potential entries of insects and their predators.

 

Thank you very much for the info! It is greatly appreciated! Wish us luck