I western conifer seed bug
The western conifer seed bug was first described in the western United States. This true bug of the family Coreidae feeds mainly on the seeds and developing cones of several species of conifers and their respective hybrids. This bug has been expanding its range eastward and was first detected in Pennsylvania in July 1992. Today, its range extends across the northern United States into Canada. Recent records from Pennsylvania and several other areas of the northeastern United States suggest that interstate commerce has been a factor in extending the insect’s range.
The western conifer seed bug’s consumption of Douglas-fir seeds and seeds of various other species of pine results in a substantial loss of seed crop. Thus, its direct economic impact is a reduction in the quality and viability of conifer seed crops.
Even though this insect does not bite or sting, it causes concern among occupants of homes, offices, and laboratories when it comes indoors. Complaints from residents increase as the insect becomes more active and conspicuous on days in the fall and spring when the temperature is above freezing. In several areas in the northeastern United States, this insect has created great alarm when large numbers of adults suddenly invade houses looking for overwintering sites.
The western conifer seed bug frequently congregates on the outside of buildings in late summer and early fall in the northeastern United States (particularly in New York and Pennsylvania). The large numbers of this insect observed around windows and doors of houses suggests that these are important points of entry.
Where the western conifer seed bug is a persistent nuisance in homes, the best method of control seems to be mechanical exclusion. The following strategies should be followed to prevent this insect’s invasion: replace loosely fitting screens, windows, and doors; caulk gaps around door frames, window frames, and soffits; caulk cracks behind chimneys and underneath the wood fascia; screen fireplace chimneys and attic and wall vents.
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