LANSING – The Elm seed bug has made its way into Michigan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed it has been discovered in Oakland County. The elm seed bug (Arocatus melanocephalus (Fabricius)) is a small, non-native home-invading pest native to south-central Europe. It uses its needle-like mouthparts to penetrate seeds and extract their nutrients. It feeds primarily on elm, but it has been reported from other tree species. In 2012, it was detected in Idaho, the first record of this insect in North America.
Three specimens were collected from a residence in Birmingham and tentatively identified as ESB by Michigan State University’s Diagnostic Services Laboratory and was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on December 2.
Elm seed bug is considered a minor pest of elm and other trees. It can, however, be a significant household nuisance because it enters buildings in large numbers to seek refuge from winter weather. When the insect is crushed, its scent glands produce a foul odor. Elm seed bug joins a suite of similar non-native household insect pests present in Michigan, including Asian lady beetle, brown marmorated stink bug, and western conifer seed bug.
Major outbreaks of this insect have occurred in parts of Europe in recent years, resulting in massive invasions of homes and other buildings. ESB may have arrived in the U.S. as a hitchhiker in the baggage of international travelers arriving from heavily infested areas. The source of Michigan’s ESB is unknown. It could have arrived from Europe, Idaho, or another location where ESB occurs but has not been identified.
Elm seed bug is not a significant plant pest, it is not a threat to human health, and it does not cause structural damage to homes. For these reasons MDARD will not be monitoring its spread in Michigan or managing infestations. Homeowners who are concerned about ESB or other home-invading insects are encouraged to protect their homes against intrusion by sealing around baseboards, window and door openings, openings for electrical outlets and fixtures, and openings for heating and cooling vents. Homeowners who encounter ESB in their homes can use a vacuum cleaner as a simple and effective means of controlling them.
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