It's the invasion of the boxedlers in the Elms! Especially in the afternoon, the bugs are swarming around the back door. Every time the door is opened, ten to fifteen bugs drop down on the unsuspecting student.
"They're disgusting!" said N.K., brushing them off his arm one recent afternoon. S.N. and S.A. have been especially hard hit, their shoes are right next to the door and often have several bugs in them by recess.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension, boxelder bugs are harmless. They do not bite, nor do they damage homes or plants. They spend their summers feeding on ground plants and boxelder trees. In the fall, they try to get into houses to spend the winter. They especially like warm, sunny sides of houses, like the Elms' back wall.
There's one member of the Elms who is not complaining -- Frank the toad has been very, very well fed since their arrival.
-M.M.