The elm seed bug is relatively new to our area, with the first detections made in 2017 in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. (Courtesy of Utah State University)
The elm seed bug is relatively new to our area, with the first detections made in 2017 in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. (Courtesy of Utah State University)cca

San Juan County Master Gardeners have received several complaints about an excessive amount of insects that look like box elder bugs, but are actually elm seed bugs.

Elm seed bugs are currently in their peak and will likely last through July.

Although elm seed bugs release a pungent odor when they are crushed, they are relatively harmless and pose no human health risk.

There are a few ways to manage elm seed beetles without crushing them:

Seal up structures such as windows and doors.Use a shop vac with 1 inch of water and some dish soap in the drum of the vacuum.Remove unwanted elm trees for long term control.Clean up debris or fallen elm seeds and dispose of them in a sealed bag.Use a pyrethroid-based insecticide to create a perimeter around the invaded home, but avoid using it on edible crops unless the label states that it is safe.

For more information on elm seed bugs, visit https://extension.usu.edu/pests/research/elm-seed-bug.