If you are reading this and wondering, "What are western conifer seed bugs?" you are not alone. If you do know what they are, this may not be the first article you have read today about them. You see, as we head towards winter, more and more people will be discovering what conifer seed bugs are. Some may mistake them for stink bugs, others will be confused and may never know what they are, but if you continue reading this article, you will have everything you need to know.
What Are Western Conifer Seed Bugs?
In a way, conifer seed bugs are just skinny stink bugs. They are in the same family as stink bugs and they share many of the same characteristics and traits. For instance, conifer seed bugs stink. When handled or squished, these pests emit a foul-smelling odor from their bodies. This smell is supposed to fend off predators that want to eat them but to us, it is just abrasive to our nostrils.
To identify these pests, look at their body shape. They are about half the width of stink bugs and have a distinct brown teardrop at the back of their bodies. These bugs, like many other insects like them, go through 5 stages of development before becoming full-grown adults. When adults, western conifer seed bugs feed from, you guessed it, seeds.
Typically, western conifer seed bugs are not household pests. The only thing our homes offer them is warmth. During the late summer months, these social insects group on the exterior walls of buildings to soak up the sun. This often leads to accidental break-ins and this is why you might find these pests crawling over your drapes, furniture, and TV screens this time of year.
When winter hits, western conifer seed bugs often seek shelter within the walls of homes, laying their eggs and waiting for the warmer weather to return. For homeowners, this could mean hundreds of baby bugs crawling around in the home come spring.
Prevention Tips For Western Conifer Seed Bugs
Naturally, you are going to want to do anything in your power to keep these stinky bugs out of your Aspen home. We are here to help with this. Here are some simple prevention tips you can employ around your home to keep these bugs out this fall and winter.
- Check your window and door screens, make sure they are seated properly and rip and tear-free.
- Install door sweeps under all exterior doors.
- Seal gaps and cracks in your home’s foundation using a caulking gun.
- Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
- Pick up dropped conifer cones from your yard as they fall off trees.
- Repair other damage to your home that could allow these pests to get inside.
- Do not squish any western conifer seed bugs that get into your home. As we mentioned earlier, this will only result in a foul and unwanted smell. To remove one of these bugs from your home we recommend using a cup and a piece of paper to capture it and safely let it go outside.
What To Do If Western Conifer Seed Bugs Invade
If western conifer seed bugs have already gotten past your walls, and there are too many for you to handle on your own, the professionals here at RAM Pest Control are here to help. We have the tools and expertise to quickly and effectively rid your home of western conifer seed bugs.
Give us a call today to schedule a service visit for your Aspen property.
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