What You Need to Know About Elm Seed Bug Control in Fort Collins, CO

Elm seed bugs are making their return to Fort Collins, and if you've noticed these tiny invaders around your windows, doors, or inside your home, you're not alone. Mosquito Squad is here to help!

Characteristics of Elm Seed Bugs

Elm seed bugs are small insects, usually about a quarter of an inch long, with a dark brown and rusty red coloring. They have a distinct triangle shape on their backs and emit a noticeable odor when crushed or disturbed. These bugs often get confused with boxelder bugs or even beetles, but they're a unique species that is native to Europe. In fact, they’ve only been in the U.S. since about 2012.

Though their enormous populations can be alarming, elm seed bugs are not harmful to humans or pets. They won’t eat your food or reproduce inside your home, but their habit of clustering on sunlit surfaces and sneaking indoors through cracks can quickly become overwhelming.

Elm Seed Bug Behavior in Colorado

Fort Collins, like many areas in Colorado, sees a surge in elm seed bug activity during the hotter months, especially from late June through September. These pests are most active during the day, during which time you’ll find them gathering on the sunny side of homes, garages, and other structures. They typically become more noticeable after elm trees drop their seeds, which serve as their primary food source.

Once the seeds have fallen, the bugs begin to migrate toward buildings in search of shelter. This migration can lead to dozens, if not hundreds, of bugs appearing along window sills, door frames, and foundation walls.

What Attracts Elm Seed Bugs

As their name suggests, elm seed bugs are heavily attracted to elm trees, especially during the seed-shedding period. Homes surrounded by or near elm trees are far more likely to see elm seed bug activity. These pests are also drawn to warm surfaces and light sources, which is why they often cluster on sunny walls and windowpanes.

In addition to their preference for elm seeds, these bugs are opportunists when it comes to shelter. They’ll exploit even the smallest openings in siding, vents, and eaves to find their way indoors.

Elm Seed Bug Control in Fort Collins

At Mosquito Squad of Fort Collins, we offer effective elm seed bug control services to help you find relief. Our treatments are designed to reduce pest populations around your home and help prevent them from making their way inside.

Our trained team will assess your property, identify hot spots, and apply a barrier treatment to key areas such as foundation walls, window and door frames, and soffits.

Elm Beetle Treatment

Many people searching for help with elm seed bugs often use the term "elm beetle," even though they are different species. While elm beetles typically feed on elm leaves, the term has become somewhat interchangeable in casual conversation.

If you've been searching for elm beetle treatment in Fort Collins, chances are you're actually dealing with elm seed bugs. The good news is that our treatments are effective against both, and our team is happy to help clarify which pest is causing the problem.

Take Back Your Yard with Mosquito Squad of Fort Collins

If you’re tired of seeing these pests take over your property, let us help. Mosquito Squad of Fort Collins provides professional treatments to help manage elm seed bug populations and other pests in your area.

Call us today at (970) 658-2820 or request a free quote online to get started.