Back to: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Apparently we have two things to thank China for as of late: #1 is all that lovely drywall they created that is making homes across America simply unlivable, and #2 is their gift of the Brown Marmorated Stink bug back in 1998. So far, both their gifts really ‘stink’ literally.
The stink bug gets its name because it lets out a very foul odor when threatened, or even squashed. This bug looks very much like a shield (which is what it is often called). It is basically harmless around homes and does not bite. I say harmless, but tell that to the poor folks in the Northeast right now who are dealing with HUGE swarms of them. I recently serviced a customer who experienced these hordes firsthand. They told me the number of stink bugs flying around was amazing. They attended a bluegrass concert held outdoors, and were simply swarmed with them. It had been weeks since they were up in Virginia, and was time for their regular visit. I was amazed at the amount of live stink bugs still found in their motor home. Now, stink bugs aren’t exactly resistant to insecticides, and these folks treated their home on wheels several times, but I found quite a few still hiding in the drapes, on shelves, and even four rolls deep in their paper towels.
For homes infested, you shouldn’t go too nuts with insecticidal sprays, as this bug is quite good at flying, and is attracted to light. This means you’re likely to find them in places where sprays will do little good, or cause a mess. In extreme cases, fogging may knock down large numbers, but be careful. A vacuum is just as effective. Sealing out the bug is your best bet. Windows, doors, screens, or any entry point is suspect. Be sure to look your home over for anything you can do to keep them outside. Exterior treatments can work with special attention around areas of light that these bugs will seek out at nightfall (try switching to yellow light bulbs). The stink bug is not looking to infest your kitchen. With most of them being plant eaters, they are no threat to your food. They are mainly looking for a place to spend the winter, and begin anew in the spring.