If you've noticed masses of red and black bugs congregating outside of your Ontario home over the past few weeks, you're not alone. The pesky culprits, known as the European or red firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus), are especially active this time of year, and dozens of sightings have already been reported across the province. Female red firebugs begin laying eggs in June, producing between 40 and 80 eggs over their lifetime. Despite their somewhat alarming appearance and name, red firebugs don't pose a threat to humans, pets, or plants, and they primarily feed on fallen seeds, with linden trees being a common host in the GTA. If you come across one of these bugs, the last thing you'll want to do is crush or squish them.