1981). Western conifer seed bugs go through multiple stages as they grow. The western conifer seed bug has a body length of 3/4 of an inch with a brownish top. Most common entry points include gaps around sidings, roofs, vents, eaves, foundations, and windows and doors. While western conifer seed bugs are not harmful to humans, the overconsumption of fir and pine seeds can lead to a serious loss of seed crop. Adult bugs are ¾” long and brown on the top. The best way to keep these pests outdoors is by securing any possible entry points. The western conifer seed bug, which has been seen indoors in western North America, bothers people in homes, offices, and laboratories. The primary diet of this species is the soft seed of pine trees, Douglas firs, and other cone-bearing trees (hence 'conifer' in their name). The first records in the U of Guelph collections are of specimens taken in homes in the fall of 1985. Frequently, they move into nearby homes where they may cause concern. They may similarly share an overall elongate body form and pointed head but there are many physical differences to separate them. One year they were so bad here that I was literally vacuuming gallons of them off the sides of my house. Western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) The western conifer seedbug was first described in the western United States. The large numbers of this insect observed around windows and doors of houses suggests that these are important points of entry. This bug feeds on the seeds and immature cones of multiple species of conifers and hybrid trees. The western conifer-seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis, hereafter referred to as WCSB) is a coreid bug that feeds on conifers. Many people mistake these seed bugs for skinny stink bugs due to their similar appearance. In Pennsylvania and other parts of the northeastern United States, this leaf-footed bug becomes a nuisance when it enters homes in search of overwintering sites. At the onset of cold weather, adult western conifer seed bugs may also enter buildings in search of protected overwintering sites. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you. Posts about Western Conifer Seed Bug written by Mary Holland Naturally Curious with Mary Holland An online resource based on the award-winning nature guide – maryholland505@gmail.com Home Scent While the bug has little to no scent normally, if startled or touched, it emits a scent. Leaffooted bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts that extend more than half of the length of the narrow body. Replace any loose screens on windows and doors, caulk gaps around door frames and window frames, check for cracks around the chimney and screen your fireplace chimney. This scent is designed to ward off any potential predators. However, during the cool season they are semidormant. Now I know those conifer cone beetles are evil and conniving as well as annoyingly stinky. The western conifer seed bug now occupies the majority of Europe and is considered an invasive species in many countries. Elm seed bug cause nuisance problems by moving into buildings in summer and early autumn. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. © Copyright 2020 Brody Brothers Pest Control in Baltimore. Of course, the two most notorious fall marauders are the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles and Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs. Different species tend to eat from different food sources, though all leaf-footed bugs typically feed on the seeds and fruits of various plants. What do Conifer Seed Bugs Eat? As these are produced by plant… The pine seed bug is in a small group of insects called the leaffooted bugs. Its body can vary in colour from reddish-brown to greyish-brown with white markings. However, you will not find Kissing Bugs in New England and Stink Bugs are not as common to the region either. 1. These bugs are a western species, and have been expanding their range to include the North Eastern portions of the United States. The economic impact is most acutely felt in the decline in quality and viability of conifer seed crops. Then, the adults will seek shelter in overwintering sites behind pine bark, inside of dead Douglas fir trees and in rodent and bird nests. Western Conifer Seed Bugs (Pine Seed Bugs) Woodpecker; Yellow Jackets; Voles . This feeding damage does not hurt the tree, but reduced seed production may result from heavy infestations. Adults feed on ripening seeds where they pierce the scales of conifer seeds and suck out the pulp. In s… Western Conifer Seed Bugs (Leptoglossus occidentalis) are in the family Hemiptera (true bugs). If a grower chooses to spray, they should wait until the seed bug eggs have hatched. The United States, the western conifer seed bug, a type of leaf-footed bug, is a nuisance. 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