Posted 4/4/01
Bonanza a success and bugs survive
Jerry Vitalis, Chisago County Master Gardener
If you were at our Spring Gardening Bonanza on Saturday, March 24, I donít have to tell you the Bonanza was successful. Such a day doesnít just happen and although it would take the whole article to thank all that were involved, some must be mentioned. Thanks to the Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center for providing us with their beautiful facility to hold this event. Thanks to the area newspapers and radio station that provided free advertising and to the local businesses which displayed our posters and pamphlets. Also, to local businesses who provided a display booth at the Bonanza. In order for an event to go almost picture perfect, there has to be a tremendous amount of planning and organization. A committee of master gardeners under the direction of Jana Connor, Extension Program Assistant, put in many hours, making the day just that, picture perfect.
Well, onto reality. You have survived the winter and so the boxelder bugs, multi-colored Asian ladybird beetles, fungus gnats, etc. Enter the Western conifer seed bug. You may have seen this bug crawling on your windows or screens. It reminds me of an over-grown boxelder bug when it's on its back. The south end looks like a seed that is opening.
The western conifer seed bug belongs to the family Coreidae. It is commonly called the leaf-footed bug, and like many members of this family, it has a flattened, leaf-like expansion of the hind legs. The adult is about 1/4 inch in length and it is a dull, brownish color. There is a faint white zigzag stripe across the midpoint of its upper surface. When it takes flight, it lifts the wings to reveal a bright yellowish, orange area on its back.
Leaf-footed bugs use piercing, sucking mouthparts to pierce the scales of conifer seeds and suck out the seed pulp. They are attracted to white pine, red pine, Scots pine, Austrian pine, mugo pine, white spruce, Douglas fir and hemlock. Often, these trees are planted or growing near homes, and the bugs may seek nearby buildings for protection over the winter. Come spring, the bugs move outdoors to conifer trees to lay the eggs and start the cycle all over again.
These bugs do not bite or sting, nor do they cause damage in the homes or the trees. They will give off an odor as a defense and make a buzzing sound when flying.
There are no pesticides specifically registered for control of this leaf-footed bug. Therefore, by caulking the gaps around windows and doors and tightening loose fitting screens and doors is your best control. If they again join you next winter, get out the vacuum cleaner.