In order to successfully combat bedbugs in the home, it is important to know what type it is. This guide introduces the most common genera and gives tips for treatment.
In a nutshell
- Family: Heteroptera
- different subspecies
- four species are particularly common in the home
- are attracted to light and warmth
- Bugs are harmless
Bugs - brief overview
The bug occurs in Europe in many different species. Most colonize trees, especially their bark, or live in tall grass on meadows, meadows and fields. These strains just stray into houses and apartments by accident. Others prefer warm habitats and do not shy away from human contact when looking for a place to spend the winter. Four species in particular are known for roosting in apartments in autumn:
Common types of bugs in the home
The birch bug (hemdocerys resedae)
The birch bug is a bug from the ground bug family (Lygaeidae). It is divided again into three subspecies, which are very similar in their way of life. Superficially, the insects stay on birch trees. Their smell and cricket-like chirping can be heard from afar. As the days get cooler, they seek out wood crevices and dwellings to use the winter for reproduction. The larvae hatch in spring around the end of March and gather in large numbers in so-called schools on birch trees. There they feed on the sap of the plant, but die within a few days as soon as they are fully grown.
In the apartment, the bug comes out of its hiding place at room temperature and flies towards light sources such as lamps or windows.
Source: Katja Schulz from Washington, D.C., USA, Birch Catkin Bug - Flickr - treegrow, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY 2.0
External features:
- broad, oval body
- reddish brown
- 4.5 to 6 mm long
- black or brown dot pits on pronotum and head
- black transverse grooves on the body
- three points arranged in a row on the half-decks
- bright, glassy forewings
- four-bar antennae
- red, short legs
Notice: The birch bug not only nests in the trees of the same name, but also feels at home in herbaceous plants, for example. Anyone who cultivates such plants on the balcony or as a houseplant should be particularly careful in autumn.
The linden bug (Oxycarenus lavaterae)
The linden bug, also known as the mallow bug, is widespread in North Africa. Only one particular variety of this species occurs further north. The bug nests in native shrubs such as hibiscus, aspen or yew. In autumn they move from said plants to linden trees, where they form immense colonies.
Lime bugs, Source: gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K, Oxycarenus lavaterae - Flickr - gailhampshire (1), Edited by Plantopedia, CC BY 2.0
External features:
- Females 5.5 mm to 6 mm long
- males 4.7 mm to 5.1 mm long
- red black colored body
- Head, legs and limbs completely black
- Legs slightly lightened
- Wing coverts and belly brick red
- red-brown back with three rows of dots
- colorless forewings with white sheen
- Nymphs with red heads and abdomens
The American pine bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis)
The American pine bug is a member of the rim bug family (Coreidae). In this country it is also known as a cone bug. She received this designation due to the property of sucking on the cones of various conifers. While the extent of the resulting damage in Europe is relatively small, in America the insect destroys entire conifer plantations and is therefore considered a dreaded pest.
The cone bug forms only a single generation per season. If you don't look closely, you may mistake the insect for a bumblebee, as its flight characteristics and clearly audible buzzing sound are very similar. Once a male has discovered a suitable roost, he secretes a scent, a so-called aggregation pheromone, with which he draws the attention of his conspecifics to the shelter.
Source: Sjonnoh, Bladpootwants (3), edited from Plantopedia, CC0 1.0
Notice: Unlike most species of bugs, which emit an unpleasant odor, the scents of this species are reminiscent of the scent of an apple.
External features:
- 15mm to 20mm long
- 5mm to 7mm wide
- long feelers
- reddish brown to black body
- white, narrow zigzag band on the back
- yellow or orange wings with black veins
The green or brown stink bug (Pentatomidae)
The stink bug is one of the most species-rich insects of all. More than 6,000 subspecies are known so far. Unfortunately, many of them are considered pests that cause great losses in agriculture as plant sap suckers. In addition, they are now resistant to certain pesticides. Stink bugs have large wings that make them excellent fliers.
Source: Vinayaraj, Pentatomidae nymph at Peravoor (2), Edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
External features:
- shield body
- large shield, often covering the whole body
- conspicuously colorful depending on the species
- Body color changes with the season
frequently asked Questions
What to do against bugs in the apartment?Chemical agents should never be used to combat a bedbug. In any case, the animal does not have to die. It is best for those affected to catch the intruder with a glass and expose them outdoors. To prevent the animals from getting into the house in the first place, all joints and cracks should be sealed with silicone. Fly screens can also help.
What attracts bugs?Contrary to their reputation, bugs are not an indication of poor hygiene. The insects are simply looking for a warm place to hibernate and are attracted to lighted, heated spaces. So if you air the room again in the evening, you should definitely turn off the light if there are no fly screens in front of the window.
Are bugs poisonous?Bugs are completely harmless. When crushed, however, they secrete a foul-smelling secretion.