The elm seed bug is one of the latest invasive bugs on American soil. Coming from central and southern Europe, it is suspected that the bugs snuck their way into packages that were shipped internationally. Although they are foreign visitors, they are closely related to the boxelder bugs that we are all familiar with here in Northern Utah, and just like boxelder bugs, elm seed bugs let off an unpleasant odor. If you’ve been dealing with an influx of little brown bugs in your home this summer, they might be elm seed bugs. Rentokil has the scoop on what they are and what they’re doing in your house!
All About Elm Seed Bugs
Elm seed bugs get their name the same way that boxelder bugs do. They come out of hibernation in the spring to feast on elm trees until the temperatures drop again. During the summer, elm seed bugs are out and about in growing numbers. You can identify them by these features:
- They are just a bit smaller on average than boxelder bugs, usually between 1/4” and 1/2” in length.
- Their colors are more muted than boxelder bugs’, with a mixture of brown, maroon, and white.
- Their backs and legs are lined with patterns of shapes and stripes, like the boxelder bug.
During the hottest temperatures of the summer, elm seed bugs swarm to find cooler places to rest, often seeking refuge in man-made structures.
How to Get Rid of Elm Bugs
It might seem like the right call to get rid of or trim down elm trees on your property, but when elm seed bugs swarm in the summer, they will spread out far away from their food source. This means that if someone in your neighborhood has an elm tree, everyone around could be subject to elm beetle problems in the house.
If you want to take steps to prevent an elm seed bug problem, you can do the following:
- Seal any openings, cracks, or crevices around your property.
- Place screens on doors and windows or repair torn screens that you already have.
- Clear out your yard to remove any piles of excess lawn debris.
- Keep your trees and bushes neatly trimmed to avoid elm seed bug resting spots.
Professional Elm Seed Bug Control in Northern Utah
Once they’ve already entered your home, elm seed bugs can be tricky to eradicate and unpleasant to have around. To ensure that your property stays free of elm seed bugs all year, reach out to your local pest control company. Our technicians at Rentokil can apply outdoor lawn treatments to your yard and family-safe indoor pest control products to your living spaces seeing elm seed bug activity. For a free quote or more information on our services, contact us today!