Knowledgebase
Is this a kissing bug #926824
Asked March 26, 2026, 2:05 PM EDT
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
The insect pictured is a Western Conifer Seed Bug. They are native in the Western U.S. but are found across Maryland and other areas in the East, although they are not considered invasive here. They do not bite people to feed and are harmless if found. This particular individual seems to have an egg laid on it (the white object on its head) from a parasitic insect (likely a tachinid fly species) that helps to control other insects we consider pests, so they are beneficial to have around in the landscape.
A variety of stink bugs and their relatives overwinter as adults in sheltered areas, which can include inside our homes or buildings if they can find a way in via access points like cracks in exterior walls, gaps around pipe entry points, vent covers, etc. in exterior walls, torn window screening, worn-down door weather-stripping, and so forth. They are only a nuisance when they wind-up inside, and they try to leave on their own as the weather warms and the days lengthen, when they try to get back outside. Insects trapped indoors often are drawn to light sources like windows and lamps since it would typically be a way out of an enclosed space if they were out in nature.
Miri
On Mar 26, 2026, at 2:44 PM, Ask Extension wrote: