Swarming invasive insect discovered US, feds say
By JESSIE L. BONNER Associated Press The Associated Press
Wednesday, July 18, 2012 6:43 PM EDT
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An invasive insect commonly found in south-central Europe has been detected in southwestern Idaho, marking the first time the elm seed bug has been spotted in the U.S.
A USDA specialist has confirmed the discovery of the pests that despite their name don't pose a threat to trees — but do tend to enter houses and buildings in huge swarms.
The Idaho Department of Agriculture issued a statement Wednesday warning that the bugs recently found in Ada and Canyon counties can prove to be a "significant nuisance" for homeowners. Elm seed bugs invade homes during the summer to escape heat, and then stick around through the winter, the department said.
The pests that feed on elm tree seeds do not pose a public health risk, officials said.
Federal authorities will take the lead role in investigating how the pest got to the U.S. and how it might spread.
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