If you have experienced an invasion of stink bugs in weeks, you may have also noticed these bugs are not alone. The western conifer seed bug is topping the list of annoyance pests for New York homeowners.
What is the western conifer seed bug?
Simply put, it is a nuisance pest! These bugs are aggressive in their need to get indoors before the weather significantly changes. Conifer bugs need the warm protection your home or structure provides.
Some interesting facts about the western conifer seed bug:
- These bugs do not bite or sting, nor do they cause damage to the home.
- However, they will give off a pungent, musky odor if you handle them, which is part of the insect’s defensive strategy.
- The Western Conifer Seed Bug is a type of leaf-footed bug that feeds on trees’ seeds, mostly pine.
- Their wings’ sound while in flight resembles the buzzing noise of a wasp or a hornet, which can be unsettling and startling when one flies past your ear or lands on you.
- The adult is about an inch (16- 20 mm) in length and is dull brownish. There is a faint white zigzag stripe across the midpoint of its upper surface.
It is native to North America west of the Rocky Mountains (California to British Columbia, east to Idaho and Nevada) but has, in recent times, expanded its range to eastern North America, and has become an invasive species in parts of Europe.
Western Conifer Seed Bug Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heidemann, 1910)
Are western conifer seed bugs dangerous?
No, they are not dangerous to people or pets. They are a common fall pest and a genuine nuisance. Western conifer seed bugs can invade your home and outdoor living to the point where you may not want to be outdoors.
How do I get rid of western conifer seed bugs?
Like so many invasive pests, the stink bug and western conifer seed bug are very resourceful and only require a small crack top get indoors.
- Be sure to calking openings around windows and doors
- If you leave a chimney vent open, you will find them on the inside of your fireplace doors.
- Repair damaged window screens, and tightly and securely screen attic and wall vents.
- Make sure crawl spaces are sealed.
- Regularly check windows and doors for tears in the screens.
- Seal your windows using caulk when necessary.
- Install weather strips on every outside access door. Check for old and brittle weather stripping.
- Check pipes, roof pipes, dryer vents, and other access points for cracks or gaps in the closure.
AccuShield used to close off your home’s access points.
It’s ok- call us for treatment options.
We love all of our customers, and we are happy to help. One particular homeowner is terrified by stink bugs and western conifer seed bugs. She utilizes our annual service agreement to ensure her home exterior is treated and maintained. While we cannot guarantee that we can eliminate these nuisance pests, we can instill a little peace of mind!
Please contact us to schedule an inspection and options for extermination and treatment.
If you do not utilize our annual service agreement, ask us how you can get rid of stink bugs, conifer bugs, bees, ants, and other pests and nuisance wildlife.
resources: http://idl.entomology.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/Western-Conifer-Seed-Bug.pdf
