Seed bugs invade Edwards

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  • By 412th Civil Engineering Group
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  During the past weeks Edwards has once again fallen prey to Mother Nature's hand and has been invaded by Melacoryphus lateralis -  the Seed bug.

Misty Hailstone, 412th Civil Engineering Group, Environmental Management biologist, identified  the species, which was confirmed by an entomologist.

The Seed bug does not sting or bite and is not known to carry disease. It is a nuisance pest. Each year during the summer months the seed bugs will typically appear for a couple of weeks then quietly go away drawing very little attention. However, this year's invasion is reported to be the worst seen in the past several years. Facility managers flooded the 412th CE Service Call Desk requesting pest control. Literally piles of dead and dying seed bugs can be seen at exterior doors and entrances to facilities. Additionally, some bugs have made it into the building interiors.

The Seed bugs feed on weed seeds. Once the weeds dry out they move in mass (swarm) in search of food and moisture. When the food source is depleted they will likely leave in just a few weeks.

They are extremely attracted to lights. Live Seed bugs inside buildings will only survive for 2-3 days due to the lack of a food source. They can be effectively controlled by vacuuming. In addition, a mixture of 10% dishwashing soap and water solution sprayed directly on the bugs will kill them.

Facility managers can mitigate the nuisance pest by keeping the exterior doors closed and turning off any unnecessary lights. Check the exterior doors to ensure they are properly weather stripped and sealed. If daylight can be seen through any gaps between the door and frame, or under the threshold, this will allow the pest to come in. Facility managers should initiate a CE service request for repair by calling 661-277-3330, or 661-277-3331.

Also eliminate exterior water sources that can attract pests. Pesticide applications should be reserved for medical, child care and food service facilities only due to the increased expense/pesticide usage.

For more information regarding pest control call Bob Landolt 661-277-1167.