Hi Greg, my apologies for the delay in a response to you. The excellent photograph you supplied indicates the insects are boxelder bugs. Here's a few links to some great websites for more information: http://www.pesticide.org/boxelderbugs.html
http://entomology.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/Box_Elder_Bug.pdf
http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/2006/fs0684.pdf

Essentially, these are harmless insects. The western boxelder bug is found only in central Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and also along the West Coast extending to British Columbia - in places where boxelders grow.

Thanks for your report!

Lisa DeBruyckere
Nov. 12, 2009, 12:19 a.m.