billb@teklabs.UUCP (Bill Beran) (02/27/84)
Kenn, those bugs sound to me like boxelder bugs. I remember them
from my youth in Nebraska and from a period of time when I lived in
Maryland. I don't recall ever seeing them since I've lived in Oregon.
Your description is right on as I remember them, especially the
part about them seeking the cracks in doors and windows. I think this
is an attraction to warmth. They flatten themselves into the tiniest
cracks, particularly window sills, where they promptly die and require
sweeping out every time you open the window.
As far as I know, they are relatively innocuous and don't do any
damage that I can remember. I do have a hazy recollection that they
are attracted by some tree or shrub. Maybe boxelder tress or hedges?
I seem to remember that my dad associated them with our cottonwood
trees or possibly a poplar windbreak.
I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else on the net can
confirm these recollections or possibly refute them. Hope this is of
some help.
Bill Beran
Imaging Research Lab
Tektronixwarren@ihnss.UUCP (Warren Montgomery) (02/29/84)
They sure sound like the pests we have in Illinois, which someone told me were boxelder bugs. They appear in september or so and plaster themselves against the siding, particularly on sunny days on south facing walls. Some get into cracks and actually make it inside the house. Other than that, they seem to be harmless. I don't know how to get rid of them though. -- Warren Montgomery ihnss!warren IH x2494