In the early fall, the seed bug seeks a protected site to spend the winter. These bugs do not bite or sting, nor do they cause damage to the home. However, they will give off a pungent odor if you handle them. This is that part of the insect's defensive strategy. Also, in flight, the adults make a buzzing sound like a bumblebee.
Adults are about three quarters of inch in length and have dull brownish color.
We can see a faint white zigzag stripe pattern across the midpoint of its upper surface on the adults. When the adult insects takes flight, they lift the wings to reveal bright yellowish orange areas on their backs. The list of host plants includes white pine, red pine, Scotch pine, Austrian pine, mugo pine, white spruce, Douglas fir and hemlock. Often these trees are planted or growing near homes, and if so, the bugs may seek the nearby buildings as an overwintering site. In spring these bugs move out of doors to coniferous trees nearby.