These bugs are about ½ inch long and are brownish black with red markings on the thorax and wings. The immature stages are colored red with reduced wings. Earwigs are commonly found on trees in the maple family, and are numerous where boxelder trees grow. They often gather in large numbers in the fall. 

Removing boxelder or other maple trees is not recommended, since these insects may find food at other locations and overwinter at houses without the trees nearby. Disrupting the masses of bugs in the fall, and perhaps spraying with insecticide will help to reduce overwintering populations.