We have had an explosion of these insects in our front yard. They are in the grass, trees, bushes, and plants. They are 1-2 cm long and are red and black. Here is a link to view a picture of them:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31220219@N08/?saved=1
Can anyone identify these insects? And if so, how do I get rid of them without spraying tons of toxins in my front yard?
paul
Favorite Answer
Either the scarlet or red shoulder bug. Mix up a less expensive spray following the directions under red shoulder bug. It is as effective as insecticidal soap and much cheaper.
Fascist Machine
Wow, they're pretty!
I don't know much about pest control, but hopefully these guys are palatable to birds. You might consider setting up a bird feeder to attract some passerines to your yard. If the birds like these bugs, they'll be gone quite soon.
The First Dragon
Glenn's right: scarlet plant bug, of the lopidea genus, also called mirid bug; these are nymphs, not adults.
http://www.dpughphoto.com/images/mirid%20bug%20nymph%20penny%27s%20bend%2050506.JPG
http://bugguide.net/node/view/13882/bgimage
I'm afraid that birds won't eat them, since bright red usually means bad tasting and toxic. If they were good to eat, they would be camouflaged.
They insert their beaks into the plant to suck juices. Heavy infestations are said to cause buds to die, but often there is no significant damage.
If you need to control them, use insecticidal soap.
naz
Judging from the fact that there are different sized individuals in the picture. I think they are bugs (Hemiptera) rather than beetles (Coleoptera). Other than that, I also have no idea.
kumorifox
My initial guess is a type of carrion beetle, but I could be completely wrong.
Check if there is decaying animal matter in your garden. Removing it should clear the beetles, if they are carrion beetles.
Otherwise, I haven't a clue.