Insect Identification - Ask Extension
I have been finding these insects in my house recently. They emit a slight odor when crushed that is strong enough to permeate the paper towel I crush...
Knowledgebase
Insect Identification #768906
Asked August 24, 2021, 11:51 AM EDT
I have been finding these insects in my house recently. They emit a slight odor when crushed that is strong enough to permeate the paper towel I crush them with. I tore the wings off of this one to get a better view of the body. They look similar to a kissing bug, but the head seems different. Can you please identify what they are and if I should be concerned at seeing several in my house in recent days?
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
They look a great deal like boxelder bugs, but these are usually scentless (but then, I've never crushed one). Boxelder bugs often come into homes in the late summer through the fall months, seeking a sheltered place to spend the winter. They won't feed on anything indoors, they won't bite people or pets, they are just a nuisance insect.
Dear Dr Elsner,
Thank you for the reply. However, I am pretty sure the bug that has been invading my home is not a Box Elder Bug. I knew what they look like, and I don't think they have the black and orange spots on the edge of their body like my bugs. I searched for more bugs similar to box elder on the internet and finally found what I think is an Elm Seed Bug which has moved into Michigan according to this link. This picture looks more similar with the dotted coloring around the edge, and Elm Seed Bugs do emit an odor when crushed, according to the link.
They too are deemed harmless, but I am finding them everywhere, on the toilet seat, a mop handle, the toilet paper roll, shower curtain, my couch. I can get myself kind of creeped out thinking they might be crawling in my ears and mouth while sleeping. My cat tried to catch one and quickly shook it out, so I think the scent glands might be a defense mechanism.
https://thecountypress.mihomepaper.com/articles/elm-seed-bug-found-in-michigan/
I thought I would update you.
Thanks again.
Elyse Kitrakis
-------- Original message --------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: 8/24/21 9:34 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Elyse Kitrakis <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Insect Identification (#0038837)
You have got it right. I have been retired from Michigan State University Extension for a couple of years, so I don't get the news on some of the new insects as fast as I used to. The elm seed bug news never made it to Traverse City's media outlets.
