What Are Those Skinny Stinkbugs? Conifer Seed Bugs.

As the weather turns cooler this fall, some Massachusetts residents may notice unusual-looking insects invading their homes that they haven’t seen before. If you spot a large, skinny brown bug wandering across your kitchen counter or hovering by your windows, you’ve likely met the Western Conifer Seed Bug – a hitchhiker from the west coast that traversed eastward over the last century and is now a regular autumn visitor around the Northeast.

So what exactly are these odd skinny stinkbugs? Read on for a primer on identifying and dealing with Western Conifer Seed Bugs.

Get To Know the Western Conifer Seed Bug

First described in California in 1910, the Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) has steadily expanded its range eastward over the past hundred-plus years. Now firmly established from the west coast through the Midwest and Northeastern states, these bugs are a large but harmless species in the family Coreidae, sometimes called “leaf-footed bugs” because of their distinctive flattened hind legs.

Around half an inch long, they are a dull brown color and kind of skinny and angular looking. While not a true stinkbug species, they can emit a pungent odor from glands near their legs when threatened – so they are honorary members of the stinkbug group as far as we’re concerned!

From Seed Pods to Your Home

These bugs get their alternate common name – Conifer Seed Bugs – from their summer food sources. Females lay rows of eggs on pine, spruce and other conifer tree needles in the spring. The nymphs feed on conifer cones and seeds, reaching adulthood by late summer.

Once temperatures drop in autumn, the bugs seek shelter in cracks and crevices of houses and buildings.

Easy Catch and Release

While startling if one buzzes by unexpectedly, Western Conifer Seed Bugs pose little threat to people, pets or homes. They do not bite or sting, and do not breed indoors or cause any structural damage. They are just a stinky, nuisance intruder.

To prevent future visits, seal any cracks around doors and windows and repair damaged screens. With some diligent fall home weatherproofing, you can send the message that your house is not open for skinny stinkbugs!

Western Conifer Bug Infestations

If your home is being overrun by seed bugs this fall, don’t hesitate to reach out to A1 Exterminators. We’re happy to provide an inspection and treatment plan to be sure you’re not stuck with these stinky pests all winter long.