Firebugs in the Garden: What now?!

Until relatively recently, the common firebug wasn’t commonly found in the UK. But now, you can find these European settlers almost everywhere you go: in the garden, park, and even living in and on trees. 

These tiny insects may look dangerous with their blood-red and black shells, but they’re actually harmless to humans and feed solely on seeds, so they’re unlikely to nibble on your plants. 

So, what should you do if you discover a firebug infestation in your garden? 

Find out here. 

The firebug family

The common firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) belongs to the Pyrrhocoridae family. And while they may look like beetles, they’re not. They’re effectively relatively benign garden insects. 

Recognising firebugs

It’s easy to identify a firebug because they look distinctive, with their bright red or orange backs and symmetrical black patterned markings. 

The black pattern varies depending on the specific species, but many have a striking X pattern across their back, while others have stripes or spots. 

The firebug’s body is flat and oval, and they have six legs and two antennae. They have a proboscis with which they eat plant seeds, aphids, and the corpses of their own species! So, firebugs in your garden could help control aphid infestations. 

Ultimately, firebugs are generally benign, posing very little threat and could be considered a valuable part of your garden’s ecosystem. 

The Firebugs’ favourite hiding places

Firebugs tend to congregate in large numbers, appearing principally during the warmer months of the year. While they’re active, firebugs constantly search for food and mates. 

You’ll find these harmless critters in sunny and warm areas of your garden, especially in walls that capture the sun’s heat during the day, offering a warm haven in the evening. 

You’ll also discover firebugs underneath dead leaves and rotting wood. 

Firebugs spend most of the day looking for food and lay eggs close to food sources. The young nymphs remain close to their parents until they’re fully grown. 

Firebugs in the garden: harmful or helpful?

Well, this is a refreshing article to write because — for a change — we’re suggesting living with your firebug friends rather than ridding them from your garden. Firebugs eat seeds and dead organic matter, so they’re actually playing an essential role in your garden. 

Firebugs can help control aphids and even molluscs such as snails. They sometimes drink the sap from plants, which can cause some damage, but typically, they won’t cause a lot of havoc. 

Their favourite plant is the mallow — whenever there’s a mallow in the garden, firebugs will feed on its seeds and leave your other plants alone. 

Ultimately, firebugs contribute to the decomposition process required to clear dead organic matter, so they’re helpful and can help return nutrients to the soil. 

Are firebugs poisonous?

They may look it, but firebugs aren’t toxic. They’re actually utterly harmless to humans and animals. They don’t bite, and they don’t produce venom. 

Their bright colour primarily serves to deter predators, who see their colouring as a warning of poison. However, they’re not toxic to birds who enjoy a little firebug snack now and then. 

The firebug’s role in your garden’s ecosystem

Firebugs benefit your garden’s ecosystem in the following ways:

They break down dead plant parts and rotting wood, leaving plenty of nutrients behind that maintain your soil’s health

They’re an essential source of food for other animals. Birds, reptiles, and amphibians, such as frogs, have learned that firebugs offer a nutritious meal despite their threatening appearance.

What to do if your patio gets infested?

While firebugs aren’t hazardous, they might freak out the more squeamish among us. So, if you spot some in your garden and don’t want them there, simply pick them up and move them to another place. Or use a soft brush and sweep them up and drop them off somewhere else. 

You can kill them with pesticides, but why would you?

Firebugs are not that bad!

These misunderstood creatures pose absolutely no threat, so I suggest learning to live with them as equals. Sure, move them if you find their presence uncomfortable, but they won’t harm you, your pets, or your garden plants — so enjoy their presence as part of a rich ecosystem. 

FAQs

Any questions?

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our friends, the firebugs, but if you have any questions, get in touch. 

Or check our comprehensive lawn and garden Help & Advice section for a vast selection of how-tos, step-by-step guides, and gardening information. 

Thanks for reading

Louis Hooft

Founder & Lawn expert

Introducing Louis Hooft, the founder of MOOWY and your reliable expert. With a profound love for stunning lawns and extensive experience in garden maintenance, Louis is here to assist garden enthusiasts in achieving a greener and livelier outdoors than ever before. Count on Louis for invaluable tips, clever tricks, and top-notch products to make your garden flourish!