The box elder bug is black with three red lines on the thorax, while young ones are red and grey.
They commonly feed on the boxelder tree or silver maple. During winter seasons they venture into houses, where they hide in cracks and crevices. During warmer seasons they emerge and scatter throughout the house.
The box elder bug becomes a household pest in fall and spring, they do not do damage from feeding, but their excrement spots can be difficult to remove. Prevention of these bugs includes vacuuming and sealing of cracks and crevices.
Crickets are characterized for their long antennae and drumstick-shaped legs.
