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I was hoping someone could help me identify this bug. #775793

Asked October 19, 2021, 11:23 AM EDT

I live in Carlton, Oregon and suddenly a few weeks ago, we had a MAJOR hatch of a bug I was hoping you could help me identify. There are MILLIONS of them, around the foundation of our house, all over the sidewalks and all over the gravel driveway. I thought perhaps it was a stink bug, but they don't match the pictures I am finding online. They are very small, like the size of the ball tip from a ball point pin. From what I have observed, they don't jump or fly at this stage. They only appear during warm afternoons and then disappear during rain and when its colder out. These are pictures of them on our deck and the last image is best for size reference. Thank you for your help!

Yamhill County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Lindsay,

Those look like immature stages (nymphs) of false chinch bugs (Family: Lygaeidae, Nysius sp.). Here's a photo of one another person found for comparison...

https://bugguide.net/node/view/595699

False chinch bugs feed on plant sap, and may cause some leaf-wilting, but typically do little damage. They don't bite people or pets, or do any damage to structures, but because they sometimes form mass congregation near buildings, they can be considered nuisance pests.

Hope that helps!

Bill Gerth Replied October 19, 2021, 2:32 PM EDT

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