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About Eric R. Eaton
Expertise
I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, and identification of "mystery bugs" in North America. No "what bit me?" or "what do I feed this bug in captivity?" questions please.
Experience
Principal author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Professional entomologist employed previously at University of Massachusetts, Chase Studio, Inc., and Cincinnati Zoo; contract work for West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Smithsonian Institution, and Portland (Oregon) State University.
Organizations
Entomological Society of America, National Association of Science Writers
Publications
Author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Missouri Conservationist magazine, Ranger Rick, Timeline (journal of the Ohio Historical Society). I have contributed to several books as well.
Education/Credentials
Oregon State University, undergraduate major in entomology, did not receive degree.
Past/Present Clients
Principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker). Currently seeking employment in a highly creative work environment with a media corporation or non-profit.
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You are here: Experts > Science > Insects/Spiders > Entomology (Study of Bugs) > Mystery bug invasion
Expert: Eric R. Eaton - 11/7/2009
Question
I've been invaded this fall on my balcony and on the windows and sliders by a roachlike but, dark brown, about 3/4 to 1" L, 2 long antennae and 4 (i think) legs with small pads on the ends. Generally will crawl on carpet and moves very slowly. However they can fly and when dead their wings are open and look very much like a yellow jacket but no yellow. Almost never in the kitchen area but mostly on windows and loads on my balcony. HELP!!! BTW, it takes tons of bug spray to kill them
Answer
Cynthia:
You don't say 'where' in the U.S. you live, but if it is in the northern half, then you are almost certainly describing the "western conifer seed bug," Leptoglossus occidentalis, which is now distributed coast to coast....
They are merely seeking a warm place to spend the winter. No need to spray them, just coax them into a container and put them outside. Repair worn weatherstripping around doors, mend holes in window screens, and otherwise seek to exclude them from entering in the first place.
These insects are totally harmless. Read more in my blog entry "Indoor Insects of Autumn (part 1 of 4)" at:
http://bugeric.blogspot.com
Eric
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