What is this small insect and can I eliminate it in a safe manner?

Question: I have been able to catch several sesame seed sized insects which have infested our yard.  We live in a park like area of maple and fir trees, near the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland OR . The insct has black antenna and six black legs. They seem to have a red body which leaves a blood-like substance when squashed.  Can you tell me if this might be an aphid and if so, could it be controlled by ladybugs as some neighbors have sugested?

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied August 19, 2024, 8:30 PM EDT
response: Hi Janine and thanks for your question about the mystery bugs which are not aphids. The antenae are wrong for aphids, but unfortunately I need a couple of better pictures to get more of an identification. If you can zoom in with your camera and get a clear picture of one that shows the legs and the red parts, I might have a better idea of where to start looking.   Most insects are not harmful and will be food for some other insect of bird that you might find attractive. Unless they are bothering you, it would be OK to let them be. If they are a bother and you want to get rid of them in an area, try a strong stream of water to wash them away and see if they come back.   Until we get a better ID, that's my best recommendation!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 24, 2024, 4:41 PM EDT
response: It seems to have 4 not six legs. The size is like a sesame seed. On Aug 19, 2024 5:30 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied August 26, 2024, 9:29 PM EDT
response: Hi again Janine and thanks for the better picture of your tiny red bug. What you have is an instar or early stage of a boxelder bug. They are harmless pests, and you may recognize the adults as they often try to overwinter in people's houses. They love maple trees, so I'm not sure there is a control unless the maples are on your property and you want to replace them.   The only control recommended is to vacuum up large numbers of them when they congregate in the fall.  Spiders, mice and chipmunks will eat the adults, so in a way, you are helping wildlife by ignoring the little critters. https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/structural-health/nuisance-household/nuisance-household-boxelder-bug  Hope that helps,

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 10:25 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the interesting info re the photo. I wonder if there may be a connection with the sap we have falling from either the maples or perhaps the tall firs which cover our lot? Do you know if maples drip sap? Sorry to bother you. It's been such a sticky mess on decks and my car.Thanks again,Janine Iwaya On Aug 26, 2024 6:29 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied August 26, 2024, 10:42 PM EDT
response: Hi Janine and thanks for your follow-up question about the sap dripping from your trees. This is usually due to insects and can come from maples or firs, although the pitch from firs is much harder to remove. Maple sap should be able to be washed away with water, sticky though it is, because it is mostly sugar.   If that doesn't work, you may have fir trees dripping pitch which I notice is a big problem on my Douglas firs this year. The internet says isopropyl alcohol (found in hand sanitizers!), adhesive remover (like nail polish remover), penetrating oil (like WD-40), cooking oil (if sap is fresh) and deck cleaners should work on fir sap.   I know it is a big problem, but I hope your beautiful trees are worth it!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 27, 2024, 5:22 PM EDT
response: I really appreciate your time and detail. I hope  bugs aren't  indangering our firs.  I'll study that online.Again, thanks so much.JanineOn Aug 26, 2024 7:42 PM, Ask Extension wrote: