Birch Catkin Bug

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

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

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.

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.