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Western Conifer Seed Bug capable of damaging PEX plumbing lines
Landscape & Garden Northern Idaho
Western Conifer Seed Bug
Posted on: May 1, 2026 by Samuel DeGrey
Western Conifer Seed Bugs (Leptoglossus occidentalis,
often incorrectly referred to as "stink bugs" or "pine
beetles") are one of the west's most commonly encountered insect species.
While generally considered a mere nuisance due to the species' habit of
overwintering in human structures, western conifer seed bugs are actually
capable of damaging cross-linked polyethylene tubing (PEX) used in indoor
plumbing in many homes. When overwintering seed bugs are trapped indoors for
long periods of time during the colder months, they may attempt to
"taste" random objects with their piercing-sucking mouthparts, which
can cause leaks in the soft plastic when they pierce through the PEX line. See linked publication for further information, including on how to distinguish
western conifer seed bug damage from other forms of damage to plumbing lines.
Plastic outdoor irrigation line is unlikely to be at risk from seed bug
damage.
Homeowners have confirmed Western Conifer Seed Bug damage to
PEX plumbing line in Bonner County, Idaho in 2026. Years with increased seed
bug populations may represent higher risk of damage to pipelines. The end of
the colder months may represent a good time to inspect any indoor PEX line for
seed bug damage.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/5D1C0B6A542A427186A697E39B9C92D0/S0008347X00002807a.pdf/damage-to-common-plumbing-materials-caused-by-overwintering-leptoglossus-occidentalis-hemiptera-coreidae.pdf
Ag Talk Tuesday resumes for the 2026 season
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: May 1, 2026 by Kasia Duellman
Save the Date: Ag Talk Tuesday – 2026 Season
Please mark your calendars for the 2026 season of Ag Talk Tuesday, hosted by the University of Idaho Extension. Sessions will be held from 11:00 AM to Noon (MDT) on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, May through August.
We’ll kick off the season on May 5 with a water update.
Each Ag Talk Tuesday session begins with approximately 30 minutes of informal crop reports led by UI Extension personnel. All attendees are encouraged to participate and share observations or updates. The second half of the session features a more structured presentation on a timely agricultural topic, delivered by a guest speaker. An Ag Talk Tuesday organizer facilitates each session to guide discussion, gather crop updates, and moderate questions for the featured presentation.
Registration is free but required.
To register, please visit the Ag Talk Tuesday website:
https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/events/ag-talk
Or register directly using this link:
https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/xJRvquC7T66Czb_qpW0A_A#/registration
We hope you can join us for a productive and informative season of Ag Talk Tuesday!
Sincerely,
Your Ag Talk Tuesday Organizers
Emily Bedwell (ebedwell@uidaho.edu)
Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu)
Doug Finkelnburg (dougf@uidaho.edu)
Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu)
