Birch Catkin Bug

Natural Habitat

Typically found on birch trees (Betula spp.) and other deciduous trees like alder or rhododendron. They often enter homes in the fall seeking warmth.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on the seeds of birch catkins and the sap of deciduous trees using their piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

They are active from spring through autumn. In late summer/fall, they aggregate in large numbers on buildings. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis and can produce a strong, unpleasant scent when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

They are harmless to humans and do not bite or cause structural damage. However, they can be a nuisance pest when they enter homes in large numbers. In the ecosystem, they serve as a food source for birds and spiders.

Identified on: 3/21/2026