Let us all take a moment to talk about the Westerm Conifer Seed Bug.

This insect is not a native insect in Central New York. It is an invasive species that has been spreading across the nation for several years.<br><br>The bug feeds off of coniferous plants, and gets its name from being found for the first time in Western North America. <br><br>As a result, this bug likely hitched a ride from the Pacific to the Atlantic via a train or a plane. When it landed, it likely stowed away on items which were then shipped around the world.<br><br>The bug’s source of food is primarily Western Evergreen plants such as Christmas trees. This is why we see such a surge in the bugs around the holidays.<br><br>They primarily feed off the sap which they pierce with their proboscis.<br><br>When the weather turns cold, they search for warm places to live. These are likely homes, cabins, and sometimes cars.<br><br>This bug has no natural predators in the region. <br><br>We as humans have inadvertently enabled the bug's expansion by migrating the traumatic changes in the environment.<br><br>The bug is not a threat to human life. <br><br>It is likely that the bug takes advantage of the warmth, humidity, and food sources found in our homes.<br><br>It is also likely that the bug has adapted, like many other creatures, to the change in climate and the surrounding environment. <br><br>The bug’s hibernation period likely has to do with the temperature and moisture in the air.<br><br>There is no scientifically-backed evidence that the bugs can become pests. <br><br>It’s likely that the bugs go through different stages of life and development within our homes, migrating between the outdoors in warmer months.<br><br>There is no evidence that the bugs are capable of infesting home. <br><br>What kind of historical changes have led to their migration?<br><br>What do you think about the bugs?<br><br>Have you ever gotten a bite from one?<br><br>What did the bite look like?<br><br>Do you want to see more scientific research about the bugs?<br><br>How can we prevent them from spreading?<br><br>What are some things you’ve learned about the bug?<br><br>What are your favorite ways to control the bug’s population?<br><br>How do you think they got here?