The Jadera bug (Jadera haematoloma), also known as the Red-Shouldered Bug or Goldenrain Tree Bug, is common in many regions, particularly the southeastern United States and California. These insects frequently congregate in large groups around homes and yards. They are generally harmless to humans, pets, and structures, as they do not bite or sting. However, crushing them can leave reddish-orange stains on surfaces. This article provides practical, non-pesticide strategies for removing existing populations and preventing future infestations.
What Attracts Jadera Bugs
The primary factor drawing Jadera bugs is their specific food source: the seeds of trees in the soapberry family. Their preferred meal is the fallen seeds of the Goldenrain Tree (Koelreuteria elegans). They use piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract fluids from these seeds.
These insects are typically seen in large aggregations near host plants or on sunny surfaces like foundations and exterior walls. Adults are dark black with distinctive red markings on their shoulders and eyes, measuring about half an inch long. Nymphs are a striking bright red color. Jadera bugs are most active during the spring, when they emerge to mate and feed, and in the fall, when they seek warmth and shelter, sometimes entering structures for the winter.
Immediate Non-Pesticide Removal
When large clusters of Jadera bugs appear, physical removal is the most direct and effective approach. A powerful shop vacuum or a dedicated vacuum with a disposable bag is effective for collecting hundreds of bugs at once. After vacuuming, the sealed bag should be disposed of immediately to prevent the insects from escaping.
Applying a simple soap solution directly to the insects offers immediate control. A mixture of two to three tablespoons of liquid dish soap per gallon of water works by breaking down the bugs’ outer protective layer. This solution should be sprayed directly onto the clusters, coating them thoroughly. For bugs congregating on vertical surfaces, a strong stream of water from a garden hose can physically dislodge and scatter them. While this does not kill them, it disperses the population from high-traffic areas around the home.
Long-Term Habitat Control
The most effective long-term strategy for managing Jadera bug populations involves eliminating their primary food source. Since the bugs feed on fallen seeds, consistently raking and removing the seed pods and fruit from under host trees, especially the Goldenrain Tree, reduces their feeding and breeding grounds. This cleanup is most important during the fall and spring when seeds are abundant and the bugs are most active.
Physical exclusion prevents bugs from entering your home when they seek overwintering sites. Sealing cracks, crevices, and gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation with caulk or weatherstripping will block entry points. Applying a thin barrier of diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of the home creates a physical deterrent that discourages the insects from moving indoors.