Knowledgebase

Elm seed bugs #870049

Asked May 25, 2024, 11:28 AM EDT

Hello. I'm wondering what to do for the elm seed bugs problem in my house. I have two large elm trees next to my house and for the second year am getting elm seed bugs invading my house. I found some information from the Idaho extension on how to exterminate the bugs and prevent their home invasion. I'm wondering if I ultimately need to get rid of my elm trees to permanently solve the issue so I don't have to exterminate year after year. Thanks.

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Patrick,

I sorry to hear about your problems with Elm Seed Bugs. Elm Seed Bug is an invasive species, newly arrived from Europe. It has little impact on the health of the tree and feeds on elm seeds. Like box elder bugs, they like to burrow into cracks and crevices of homes. Movement can be limited by use of certain insecticides applied to the building exterior where the bugs enter.

Read more here: https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/research/elm-seed-bug

And here: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/elm-seed-bug-a-new-nuisance-pest-in-colorado-homes-5-619/

https://insectlab.russell.wisc.edu/2023/11/29/elm-seed-bug-a-new-pest-to-watch-for-in-wisconsin/

These articles provide advice on management of the bug.

Exterior use of an appropriate insecticide will likely solve your problem. Removing the trees sounds like an extreme and costly alternative. (Caution: When using insecticides, read the label to ensure that it will be effective against the insect in question and apply according to the directions.)

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 27, 2024, 5:44 PM EDT

Loading ...