Seed bugs loved to munch on coniferous plants, but a research report set the cat among the pigeons by claiming they bite humans too. So, do seed bugs bite? We explore this in the article below.
No, seed bugs do not bite. But one case was reported in a research journal of a seed bug biting a human, which was the first and probably the last reported case!
Most entomologists believe that it was an accidental biting or that the authors of the journal mistook a wasp for a seed bug.
What Are Seed Bugs?
Seed Bugs (scientifically named Leptoglossus Occidentalis) were first discovered in Michigan in 1987 but have since moved to many other states.
These bugs feed on the seeds of coniferous trees (hence the name) and the tissue of their cone cells.
In the adult form, these bugs measure a little less than an inch in length. They are brown on top, while their abdomen is yellow or orange colored with black patches.
The most distinguishing feature of these bugs is the noise they make while flying, which sounds very similar to that of a bumble bee.
Can Seed Bugs Bite Humans?
As we mentioned in the introduction, seed bugs don’t bite, except for the solitary insect bite report in a single scientific journal.
Entomologists largely concur that these bugs don’t bite. But whatever we have written below is based on that report.
What Does The Bite Look Like?
Seed bugs like feeding on plants and seeds rather than sucking blood which is obvious from their name. Only only one case of accidental biting by a seed bug.
The report said a lesion appeared on the skin, lasting for 48 hours. The skin around the area remained red for about a month.
What To Do if You Get Bitten?
There isn’t any proven method to treat a seed bug bite because it almost never happens. You can follow the general treatment for bug bites.
For instance, you can apply an ice pack to soothe the region or use an anti-itch cream or doodling gel on the lesion.
Are They Poisonous?
No, seed bugs are not poisonous to humans. They feed only on plant seeds and not on animal skin or their blood (technically termed phytophagous).
In the one case of seed bug bite so far, there was no poisonous reaction reported. We can safely assume that these bugs are in no way dangerous to humans.
Are They Harmful In Other Ways?
Yes, they could become a nuisance pest because of their rather bad stink. These bugs have a defense mechanism that yields a foul odor when attacked.
You might startle the bug accidentally, or it might just perceive you as a threat due to your size and release a stink bomb on you.
During cold weather, these seed bugs might move into your home in large numbers, creating a big problem with their stink bombs.
How Can You Prevent Them From Coming Inside Your Home?
Seed Bugs can enter your house through open windows and doors and hide in the cracks and grooves of your house.
So, to prevent them from coming inside your house, you should seal all the gaps in the window panes and fill the cracks with sealing clay or tape.
You can also regularly spray insecticides in your house to check the population of insects growing inside and outside your house.
Chemical insecticides are not suitable for a house with pets and children, so it would be best if you use natural insecticides such as neem oil to keep the seed bugs away.
Alternatively, you can spray pesticides on the perimeter of your house. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to know the frequency at which to spray.
Vacuuming a bunch of seed bugs is another easy way to remove these rather slow-paced bugs. Just suck them up and throw the bag outside near a coniferous tree.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can stink bugs bite?
No, stink bugs do not bite either humans or their pets. Despite the rather foul odor they emit, they cause no harm to you or your surroundings.
They release certain substances which can be potentially dangerous and can cause allergies in some people.
Is there a bug that looks like a seed?
There are a few bugs that can be mistaken for a seed. For example, a flea beetle looks like a 10-inch long black seed from a distance or until you poke it.
Another great example is rice weevils that look like small black seeds in a jar of rice while it’s actually a bug.
What do you do with Western conifer seed bugs?
To get rid of western conifer seed bugs, you can try spraying chemical or natural insecticides along the affected area at regular intervals.
You can also spray pesticides on the outside walls of your house. Seal all the cracks and gaps in between your window panes to prevent their entry inside your house.
Are there western conifer seed bugs in Utah?
Western conifer seed bugs are largely concentrated in North America in the British Columbia region. However, recently they have been spotted in Utah as well. They mostly inhabit rodent nests and electrical outlets and feed on cones of Douglas firs.
Wrap Up
Seed bugs are leaf-footed bugs that can become nuisance pests and enter your house through wall vents in the winter.
They won’t harm you or bite you, but they can stink up your home. In the solitary case of accidental biting, it caused lesions that lasted for one to two days.
Thanks for reading!
