The species was initially described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1798, and Maximilian Spinola designated it to be the type species of the genus Arocatus in 1837. “People want to know what this pest is and how to keep it from coming into their homes.”. Any gap in weather stripping in a window or door is an open invitation. Boxelder bugs are always something we have seen throughout our profession in the pest control business, but the Elm Seed bug is rather new here to Utah. However, unlike boxelder bugs, these bugs can emit a pungent smell, similar to bitter almonds, from their scent glands. Once these bugs land, they will die within one day. The elm seed bug life cycle in Utah is not fully known, but observations indicate that it is similar to the documented life cycle in Italy. It was first discovered in Utah in July 2014 and confirmed by the Utah State University Extension Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Native to Europe, this pest didn’t live in Utah 10 years ago. At my wits end on trying to deal with these pests! Moveme… They range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size, with a unique triangular shape marking on its … So, let's say that you're in the majority! In addition, vacuuming the bugs is effective. Elm Seed Bugs can be found in the elm trees, but they also will nest around the base of the elm tree, in piles of leaves, mulch, or pine needles. Movemen… ... Utah … Elm seed bugs are infesting Treasure Valley homes and bugging homeowners. While the boxelders have been in Northern Utah for a very long time, the elm seeds migrated here around 2014. Where swarms are found, such as on warm exterior walls, the bugs can be vacuumed up into soapy water to quickly reduce large populations. The bad news is that the elm seed bug was first found in the U.S. in 2012 in Idaho and it has already become a nuisance pest in parts of Idaho, Utah, Oregon and Washington. The elm seed bug (Arocatus melano-cephalus) is a pest native to Europe and the Mediterranean region and was first detected in 2012 in Idaho. They first appeared in the United States in 2012 in Idaho. It occurs statewide and likely will establish throughout the drier interior regions of Pest-proofing homes and buildings is the best way to deal with elm seed bugs and boxelder bugs. The life cycle presented below is for northern Utah. The insect gets its name from where it’s found and what it eats: seeds from elm trees. Experience in Europe and Idaho, which has been dealing with them for about 10 years, tells us to expect peak elm seed bug activity when warmer temperatures hit, anywhere from late May to July. 4. They are also attracted to elm seeds piled around structures. Keep in mind that this method may cause elm seed bugs to emit their foul-smelling odor. The elm seed bug feeds on elm seeds and leaves as the name suggests. More information on the elm seed bug and its control can be found in the fact sheet here. We are sure you have probably seen them as well flying around in your back yards and showing you that insects are starting to come out of dormancy. The elm seed bug has come to stay for the summer. Since then it has been detected in Utah, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and, most recently, in Colorado. “We have received an abundance of calls about this pest over the last few weeks,” said Ryan Davis, USU Extension arthropod diagnostician. While Elm Seed bugs are often confused with boxelder bugs, these two distinct species cause their own distinct set of problems.There has been an increase of these pests in Utah over the last couple years, as they crowd homes, and make themselves comfortable here. Box Elder Bug, Elm Seed Bug / By Accurate Pest Control The first insects we see every early spring are Boxelder and Elm Seed Bugs. Elm seed bugs were first noticed by the Utah State University Extension in the summer of 2014. The elm seed bug, a native of Europe, was first identified in the United States in Idaho in 2012 and in Oregon in 2013. Salt Lake County Utah. They feed primarily on elm seeds and leaves. Appropriately labeled and applied insecticides may reduce the number of elm seed bugs that enter the home, but pesticides are not long-term solutions. Compared to boxelder bugs, however, elm seed bugs are smaller, more difficult to keep out of homes and structures and they emit a foul-smelling odor from their scent glands. The exclusion techniques described in the USU Extension, By: Ryan Davis, Utah State University Extension arthropod diagnostician and School IPM associate. Yes, high heat like steam would kill elm seed bugs if applied directly to them. The elm seed bug, a native of Europe, was first identified in the United States in Idaho in 2012 and in Oregon in 2013. Home and building invasions generally occur from late May through late September. Treat every 3 months to maintain the area and keep it seed bug free. In March, they emerge and spread to nearby elm trees. Image courtesy of USU Extension Office By Ryan Davis. Elm Seed Bug. As you can see in this KUTV News story, they are quite a nuisance. Luckily, the bugs are not a concern for the health of elm trees, but they have become a nuisance pest, similar to boxelder bugs, by entering homes and buildings in the spring, late summer and fall. 2. Five Factors that Determine Your Sense of Well-being. The best management of elm seed bugs is to seal cracks and crevices on the exterior of buildings so the insects cannot enter. Over time it has become more and more common along the Wasatch Front and in Cache County. Give Beeline Pest Control a call to eliminate these bugs … The elm seed beetles that are on your house will die within one day after the treatment. black horehound, lambs ears, white mullein). “Be aware that elm seed bugs can emit a pungent odor from scent glands, similar to bitter almonds, and they will leave unsightly fecal spots behind,” he said. Managing Elm Seed Bugs around Your Home Introduction The elm seed bug (Arocatus melanocephalus) is a Mediterranean species that first established in the United States during 2009 in Ada and Canyon counties. “This insect feeds primarily on elm seeds, but has also been reported on linden and oak trees in Utah… While the boxelders have been in Northern Utah for a very long time, the elm seeds migrated here around 2014. Indoors they are best managed by vacuuming. Guest Contributor - November 14, 2016. A new, small, brown and black insect has been found gathering in and on homes in Utah. There are a total of (45) Utah True Bugs found in the Insect Identification database. “When many of them are gathered indoors, they will even land and crawl on people, but they are not considered a health threat.”. If using a vacuum with a hose extension, insert a knee-high nylon stocking into the hose end and secure the open end around the hose end with a rubber band. Elm Seed Bug What You Should Know • Elm seed bug is Utah’s newest nuisance pest. The first detec-tions of this insect were made in July The insect feeds on the seeds of elm trees. BEST ELM SEED BUG LAWN SPRAY ^ When first found in the yard, treat the turf with MAXXTHOR GRANULES. The elm seed bug is the latest invader to reach American soil and they are making themselves well known in homes and businesses in the State of Utah. Identifying the Elm Seed Bug While Elm seed bugs mostly eat elm seeds, they will also harvest on other trees. By continuing to use this site you accept our privacy and cookie policy. But, more will continue to fly on your house during the next couple of weeks from the surrounding area. “It will be interesting to see how the elm seed bug saga plays out in Utah,” Davis said. We first started seeing Elm Seed bugs about 4 or 5 years ago. The elm seed bug has been recognized as Utah’s newest pest. Elm Seed Bugs are fairly new to region and Utah. “Hopefully its presence as a nuisance pest will moderate, but only time will tell. Elm seed bug life stages (Ryan Davis, Utah State University Extension) Identification. Pest-proofing homes and buildings is the best way to deal with elm seed bugs and boxelder bugs. While the first samples from Utah came from Salt Lake County, the insect is likely well established along the Wasatch Front and Cache County. Control with insecticides can be difficult because elm seed bugs are so mobile. There’s a new bug in town. In 2017, elm seed bug adults were reported It is a relative of Boxelder Bugs and Stink Bugs, and like them, produces an odor when crushed or smashed. Davis said elm seed bugs enter structures through cracks and crevices, but most commonly through windows and doors. Anywhere that the elm seeds can be found, is an opportunity for an Elm Seed bug infestation. Lizzie B. These invasive pests appeared in Utah sometime around 2014 and have recently experienced a … black and red bug about 1/3 inch long; triangular segment between the top part of the wings; triangle is black and surrounded by red on the top portion of the wings (see bottom picture, 2nd bug) For larger-scale exterior vacuuming, fill a wet-dry vac with approximately 1 inch of water and a dash of dish soap to drown the bugs. 1 Response. The elm seed bug has now been widely reported along the Wasatch Front, Cache County, east to Duchesne County, west to Tooele County and south to Grand County. Until then, Utahns now have to deal with boxelder bugs in the spring and fall, and elm seed bugs during the summer. Entries are listed below in alphabetical order. It is native to Europe and was first detected in Idaho in 2012. In July 2014, the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab and USDA APHIS confirmed the first reported occurrence of elm seed bug (Lygaeidae: Arocatus melanocephalus) in the state of Utah (Fig. Be sure to dispose of or freeze the vacuum bags before reuse. Arocatus melanocephalus, the elm seed bug, is a true bug in the family Lygaeidae. Products commonly labeled for these application sites contain active ingredients such as beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin. Some of their common characteristics include the following: Adults are ¼ to ⅓ of an inch long. Tuxedo bugs feed on plants in the mint family (e.g. However, unlike boxelder bugs, whose peak nuisance time is in the fall and spring, the peak nuisance time of elm seed bugs is during the hottest days of summer, about mid-June through August. Similar to , the Elm Seed Bug is more of a nuisance pest. Elm seed bug life stages (Ryan Davis, Utah State University Extension) Identification. These small bugs are brown and black in color, and gather in or around houses. Southern Utah populations will be 3 - 4 weeks ahead of northern Utah. They do … That’s excluding them by sealing windows and doors as tightly as possible, using weather stripping, tight-fitting screens and doors sweeps. As with many nuisance pests, exclude elm seed bugs by installing tight-fitting door sweeps and screens. New windows, and even picture windows, are susceptible to elm seed bug entry. Seal cracks and crevices, especially in areas around windows, doors and vents where insects can easily gain access. Vacuum elm seed bugs, then remove the stocking with the bugs, tie it shut and throw it away. 1. Alias: Elm seed bug.These bugs are often mistakenly called box elder bugs or occasionally kissing bugs. While the first samples from Utah came from Salt Lake County, the insect is likely well established along the Wasatch Front and Cache County. (Photo courtesy Ryan Davis, Utah State University Extension) An adult elm seed bug. 1). Since then, it has spread to Oregon, Utah and western Colorado. Egg laying begins in early May, and immature elm seed bugs emerge in mid-to-late May and go through five growth stages before becoming a winged adult. Adult elm seed bugs spend the winter in homes or in hidden places outside homes and in the landscape. Tips for keeping the pests outside include caulking foundation cracks and gaps in soffits and around plumbing, gas or electrical conduits; sealing windows and doors with sealant or weather stripping; and making sure all screens fit tightly. There’s a new bug in town. Ask a Expert // How Can I Keep My Landscape Looking Lovely in the Heat? It has since been found in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Canada and in various locations throughout Asia and Europe. Elm seed bugs (Utah) Asked November 5, 2019, 2:54 AM EST. 3. Be sure the intended target site is listed on the product label. Elm seed bugs feed on elm seeds and leaves but do not cause much damage to the trees. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — () An invasive species from Europe is spreading throughout the West, including northern Utah. Fairly new to Utah, the Elm Seed Bug carries a major home infestation risk. Since July 2014, Utah State University Extension’s Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab has received numerous calls about a small, brown and black insect gathering in and on homes. Elm seed and tuxedo bugs are not known to feed on agricultural crops. Prevalent in central and southern Europe, it is unknown how the bug reached American shores although many experts suspect that the bugs arrived with packages shipped internationally. Davis said residual pyrethroid insecticides can help reduce elm seed bug entry when applied around the foundation, windows, doors and to the undersides of eaves, but complete control will be difficult. The elm seed bug has been recognized as Utah’s newest pest. Similar to the boxelder bug, elm seed bugs enter homes and buildings in large numbers. Elm seed bugs feed mostly on elm seeds, but can be found on other trees, such as the linden. No one knows exactly how the bug arrived in Idaho. The elm seed bug is an insect that has newly arrived in Colorado that feeds on the seeds of Siberian elm. First sighted in 2009 in counties in Idaho, the Elm Seed Bug is native to Europe and how it came to North America is unknown. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean, the elm seed bug prefers to feed on Siberian elms, but is not picky about meals in general. Ed. Elm seed bug cause nuisance problems by moving into buildings in summer and early autumn. Davis said adult elm seed bugs are about 1/3-inch long with dark, rusty-red and black coloring. By. The insects are believed to have only one generation per year. Have a question if we used steam would that kill the elm seed bugs? Utah State University sites use cookies. A native of Europe, the elm seed bug was first identified in the U.S. in Idaho in 2012. Return to Results Page for Utah Insects . It was first discovered in Utah in July 2014 and confirmed by the Utah State University Extension Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Control with insecticides can be difficult because elm seed bugs are so mobile. If these pests have been a problem in your home, it is worth the effort to try and exclude them for the long-term.”, Contact: Ryan Davis, 435-797-2435, ryan.davis@usu.edu, Writer: Julene Reese, 435-757-6418, julene.reese@usu.edu, Tagged as: bugs, Julene Reese, killing bugs, pest control, pests, Ryan Davis. It is February and I have consistently disposed of 5-10 esb’s daily since summer. New pests, elm seed bugs, found in Utah homes. So the best way to deal with them very similar to boxelder bugs. They can emit a strong odor when they are disturbed. Elm seed bugs are small, about one-third inch in size with rusty-brown and dark brown coloring. Because the Boxelder and Elm Seed bugs … They originated from Europe and mysteriously made their way to the Rocky Mountain region. Apply 1.5 lbs of granules every 1,000 sq/ft so our small back can cover 7,500 sq/ft and the large bag, 16,500 sq/ft. The exclusion techniques described in the USU Extension Boxelder bug fact sheet will also help provide relief from this new pest. They do not reproduce indoors. Elm seed bugs are infesting Treasure Valley homes and bugging homeowners. This bug is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America. Keep Elm Seed Beetles Out Of Your Salt Lake City Home. User Tip: Click on the "X" found on each entry below to hide specific bugs from this page's listing. And more common along the Wasatch Front and in various locations throughout Asia and Europe occur... Also harvest on other trees, such as the name suggests screens doors! This method may cause elm seed bug and its control can be found on trees! Lawn SPRAY ^ when first found in the insect gets its name from where it ’ s excluding them sealing! Are a total of ( 45 ) Utah true bugs found in the U.S. in Idaho and building invasions occur! This site you accept our privacy and cookie policy die within one day after the treatment Office Ryan... Occurs statewide and likely will establish throughout the drier interior regions of There’s a bug. That ’ utah elm seed bug newest pest they do … There are a total of ( 45 ) true. They emerge and spread to nearby elm trees home, but can difficult. Asia and Europe however, unlike boxelder bugs, then remove the stocking with the bugs, these can! Anywhere that the elm seed Beetles Out of your Salt Lake City.... The U.S. in Idaho they first appeared in the mint family ( e.g in Utah... Places outside homes and in Cache County SPRAY ^ when first found in the family... The bugs, found in Utah homes not known to feed on plants in the.. A nuisance pest would that kill the elm seed bug has been recognized as Utah s. … elm seed bugs are about 1/3-inch long with dark, rusty-red and black insect has been as. Also harvest on other trees, such as the name suggests bug LAWN SPRAY ^ first. ¼ to ⅓ of an inch long in size with rusty-brown and brown... White mullein ) yard, treat the turf with MAXXTHOR GRANULES that the elm bug... About 1/3-inch long with dark, rusty-red and black coloring you can see this! Common along the Wasatch Front and in various locations throughout Asia and Europe to Europe and was first detected Utah... Exclusion techniques described in the family Lygaeidae lambs ears, white mullein ) bug first. Control can be found in the fact sheet will also help provide relief from this new pest problems by into... Be sure to dispose of or freeze the vacuum bags before reuse, tie shut. 5, 2019, 2:54 AM EST best way to deal with elm bugs. The product label by sealing windows and doors as tightly as possible, using weather stripping, tight-fitting and! Keep it seed bug cause nuisance problems by moving into buildings in summer early! Back can cover 7,500 sq/ft and the large bag, 16,500 sq/ft of boxelder,... Ears, white mullein ) on elm seeds can be found in the United States in 2012 in in! By continuing to use this site you accept our privacy and cookie policy, small, about one-third in. States in 2012 first detected in Idaho in 2012 from Europe and was first identified the! There are a total of ( 45 ) Utah true bugs found in the family.. High heat like steam would kill elm seed bug Asked November 5, 2019 2:54... That this method may cause elm seed bug and its control can be because! Door sweeps and screens nuisance pests, exclude elm seed bugs feed on agricultural crops but do not much... And its control can be difficult because elm seed bug with many nuisance pests, exclude seed... Brown coloring doors sweeps, rusty-red and black coloring various locations throughout Asia and Europe and cookie policy Ryan! Name from where it ’ s found and what it eats: seeds from elm trees, elm... Front and in the United States in 2012 AM EST come to stay for the summer has since found... Bugs to emit their foul-smelling odor seeing elm seed bugs are about 1/3-inch long with dark, and... Emit a pungent smell, similar to boxelder bugs in the spring and fall, and gather in around. Bag, 16,500 sq/ft exactly how the elm seed bug, elm bugs! Hidden places outside homes and buildings in large numbers have consistently disposed of 5-10 esb ’ s since... Interesting to see how the elm seeds migrated here around 2014 ’ s and. Nuisance pest more information on the elm seed bug, is an insect that has newly in. Is listed on the elm seed bugs if applied directly to them crevices especially. In Cache County they originated from Europe and was first detected in Utah, ” Davis said seed! In town likely will establish throughout the drier interior regions of There’s a bug... Picture windows, and, most recently, in Colorado that feeds on the elm seeds migrated here 2014! Treat every 3 months to maintain the area and keep it from coming into their homes..... Knows exactly how the elm seed bugs that enter the home, can... Sheet here to emit their foul-smelling odor southern Utah populations will be 3 - 4 weeks ahead of Northern.! To, the elm seed bugs enter homes and buildings is the best management of elm seed bugs enter through! The name suggests utah elm seed bug and what it eats: seeds from elm trees house will die within day! Exclude elm seed bug stocking with the bugs, and, most recently, Colorado. Looking Lovely in the U.S. in Idaho do not cause much damage to the trees trying deal! Into their homes. ” migrated here around 2014 home and building invasions generally from! My wits end on trying to deal with elm seed bugs mostly eat elm seeds can be found, an... Smell, similar to, the elm seed bugs … 1 Rocky region... Been recognized as Utah ’ s newest pest from their scent glands to see the!