OCCASIONAL TRUE BUGS IN THE HOME

Small Milkweed Bug (Family: Lygaeidae)

The small milkweed bug, Lygaeus kalmii (Stal.) is occasionally mistaken for the boxelder bug due to size (10-15mm) and colour similarities. The legs, antennae and head are black, with the exception of a red spot at the base of the head. There is also a large, irregular black spot near the outer margin of the front wings. The red coloration on the thickened forewings has a broad X-shaped mark. The nymphs are red with black antennae and legs.

The habitat for this insect includes areas where milkweed grows, such as meadows and fields. Insect development occurs on the milkweed plant, since maturing and mature seeds provide the only food source. The adult bugs overwinter in protected areas. The small milkweed bug may enter the home in or on materials brought indoors, such as firewood. Another source of infestation may be milkweed pods containing seeds that are collected for ornamental purposes and brought indoors in the fall.

Plant Bugs (Family: Miridae)

The family Miridae is a large and diverse group of bugs. Most are 9mm long, soft-bodied and brightly coloured. Many species occur on vegetation, the majority feeding upon plants but some are predacious on other small insects. A few are pests of crops. They may be found indoors in the summer and fall. The tarnished plant bug, having brown, tan and black markings, is commonly encountered on vegetables and fruit brought indoors.

Stink Bugs (Family: Pentatomidae)

Adult stink bug

There are many different species of stinkbugs. All have a flattened, shield-shaped body 6-20mm long. Most species are coloured green or brown and are not readily noticed within their habitat. Many suck plant juices, but some are predacious on other insects. Both adults and nymphs discharge a foul smelling fluid when disturbed. Some species overwinter as adults and are a nuisance when they enter a home. Other species are well-known pests of crops and are sometimes brought indoors on produce.

Miscellaneous Bugs

Occasionally bugs in other families enter the home. They are considered to be more of a nuisance than a true pest. These include the lace bugs (Family: Tingidae), stilt bugs (Family: Berytidae), and the leaf-footed bugs (Family: Coreidae, e.g. western conifer seed bug). A few predacious bugs that have been reported indoors are the minute pirate bugs (Family: Anthocoridae) and the ambush bugs (Family: Phymatidae). Generally, these insects do not survive for long periods indoors and it is usually unnecessary to use chemical control.

CONTROL

Non-chemical:
• To restrict the entry of bugs into the house, ensure all doors and windows are properly sealed and screened. Repair and caulk all cracks in foundations.
• Inspect all flowers and produce from the garden prior to bringing them indoors.
• Use a vacuum cleaner or fly swatter to kill insects indoors.

Chemical:
• Do a thorough inspection indoors. It is not necessary to use chemical control when only a few bugs occur indoors.
• House foundations, area around the foundation, and windowsills may be treated with insecticide.

FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFE USE AND EFFICACY OF EACH PESTICIDE PRODUCT.

W.A. Attwater

PDCF-029 (Revised 2003/11/07)