Generally harmless to humans, Boxelder bugs are nuisance pests, as they gather in large numbers on the warm walls of a home or business.
Boxelder bugs have a lot of nicknames. Democratic bug, zug and maple bug are a few. The name Democratic bug originates because they congregate in large swarms in October, the month we vote. Schmoopie, sweet pea and tootsie-wootsie are the nicknames for my three favorite dishes at Owyhee BBQ.