Before learning how to kill stink bugs, it would help to know a little about them: Stink bug facts. Know thy enemy! Stink bugs are not native to the United States. They originated in East Asia–namely, Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan–and have only recently found their way here. In fact, the earliest stink bug sighting in the U.S. was in the late 1990’s. Since then, stink bugs have only grown in number and their presence has been reported in many states (in particular, the mid-Atlantic northeastern states).
The term “stink bug” is not a scientific one, but rather a nickname earned by the unpleasant odor they emit. Stink bugs emit their odor as a means of self-defense and protection against harm. A stink bug’s odor smells very distinct–it is difficult to describe, only to say that it is sour, pungent and unpleasant. What do stink bugs smell like? I’ve heard the smell being compared to rotten cilantro and skunk. You will know it when you smell it. The scientific name for the insects we call “stink bugs” is Halymorpha halys, and they belong to the family of insects called “Pentatomidae,” so named because their bodies appear to be divided into five sections.
Stink bugs measure about 3/4 of an inch long. Their body resembles a triangular shield and is brown or gray in color. Stink bugs have six legs and antennae. Adult stink bugs have four wings that allow them to fly.
Stink bugs feed on fruits (e.g. apples, peaches, figs), plants (e.g. maple leaves and trumpet vine), and flowers. It is worth noting that a few of the over two hundred species of stink bugs in the United States will feed on other pests (e.g. caterpillars). For this reason, stink bugs tend to make their homes in gardens, landscaped areas and orchards and can cause extensive damage to crops and plant life. Stink bugs do target humans or animals as sources of food, nor are they known to bite humans or animals offensively or defensively.
Stink bugs lay eggs, but usually outdoors, where there are plants. Stink bugs lay their eggs (20-30 eggs) on the underside of leaves. For this reason, it is important to carefully check the leaves of any plant you move indoors during the fall. You could inadvertently be bringing not only adult stink bugs, but eggs that will hatch indoors. A newly hatched stink bug is referred to as a “nymph” and since it lacks the ability to fly, it can usually be found in the close proximity of where the eggs were laid. As the nymph matures, it not only grows longer, but its color darkens and its body takes on a less rounded and more shield-like shape. Eventually, the nymph grows wings, migrates away, feeds on its own and repeats the mating process once again.
Stink bugs are most active at night, but are at the same time are drawn to light, which attracts them into homes. Stink bugs prefer warm climates, hibernating through the winter. Due to their propensity for warmer temperatures, stink bugs try their best to make their way into the interior of buildings (such as your home) when the weather starts to get cold.
Stink bugs have no known predators. That is, no insect or animal targets stink bugs as prey.
No comments:
Post a Comment