Western Conifer Seed Bug

Coniferous forests, often found indoors during colder months seeking shelter.

Primarily feeds on the seeds and sap of conifers (pine, fir, hemlock, spruce), but may also feed on other plant materials.

These bugs are strong flyers and tend to aggregate in large numbers to overwinter in sheltered locations, including houses and other buildings. When disturbed, they may produce a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism.

Potential risks include being a nuisance pest when they enter homes in large numbers. While they do not bite or transmit diseases to humans, their congregating can be annoying and the foul odor they release can be unpleasant. They are potential pests in conifer seed orchards but generally do not cause significant damage to mature trees. In the ecosystem, they are part of the food chain.