Call me crazy, but I have a
real fondness for Western Conifer Bugs. They are *harmless and sweet and remind me of a monster movie creature
with their odd stilt-like legs and slow shuffling gate. Each autumn a handful make their way into the
house to spend the winter cozied up in the laundry room. I consider them friends as they keep me
company when I’m washing clothes. They
don’t eat anything but they will dip
their antennae into spilled water. In the spring I take the survivors (those who
managed to stay off the floor and away from feet) back outside. 
One little fella appears to
have taken up residence in the kitchen, close to the sink where he supervises
the daily dish washing routine. Fingers and toes crossed that he makes it till spring release.
*These bugs cannot bite/sting/infect people or
pets, damage houses or household items, or even reproduce indoors, as egg
laying and development are restricted to the host plants during the summer
months. (Iowa
State U.) If molested, they give off a pungent odor as defense. (so leave them alone!--LaBonBon)
