Italy has the Leaning Tower of Pisa, France has the Eiffel Tower, and Idaho has…the Elm Seed Bug! It’s officially that season where every call that comes in includes Elm Seed Bugs in the conversation. So what exactly is an Elm Seed Bug, and do you have them?
Elm Seed Bugs, similar in appearance to Box Elder Bugs, roughly entered the United States around 2012. Not long after that, parts of Idaho began noticing these small, obnoxious bugs. They arrived by the thousands and plagued residents both in town and out in the country. If you lived close to elm trees and other seed-bearing trees, you soon found elm seed bugs in every crack and crevice, inside and outside the home.
The adult Elm Seed bug starts to emerge when temperatures rise in spring. Mother Nature has its way, and the mating season begins soon after! They lay their eggs on their favorite tree, the Elm tree, which provides ample food for the newly hatched babies in May and June. They are not equipped with stingers or mandibles, so they are harmless, but that doesn’t make them any less tolerable. Squish them, and you’ll smell a very unpleasant aroma! Elm Seed bugs are drawn to the coolness of your home and will squeeze in through any of the smallest openings!
One way to help prevent Elm Seed Bugs from overtaking your home is to trim all overhanging limbs and regularly rake up any seed pods that have dropped from the trees. Eliminating harborage and the food source is key to reducing the population. Another is to apply a consistent barrier around your home and all entry points, such as windows, doors, and vents. Creating a protective barrier like a force field is crucial in the fight against these numerous insects.
If you’re battling these little pests anywhere in the Treasure Valley area, we can help! From Weiser to Nampa and Boise to Glenn’s Ferry, Barrier has you covered! Call today for your free quote! 208-463-4533.
