boxelder bugs

[ijmccollum]

Yes, it's February in N Utah, it's cold with snow on the ground but spring and summer will happen eventually so I have a Q regarding boxelder bugs. We get them here. Sometimes they are overwhelming. They are deadly when consumed by beardies and I was wondering about torts. Any info on this topic? Do I need to be diligent in regard to these bugs?

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't think they're toxic.

 

[ijmccollum]

I hope not because some summers we are inundated with them. They are like a plague.

 

[dmmj]

Do you happen to know why they are deadly to beardies?

 

[ijmccollum]

Could be urban legend but both fireflies and boxelders have been listed in reptile sites as toxic to beardies. I just made sure my guy never came in contacxt with one so I have no first hand knowledge.