Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are known for the unpleasant odor they emit when disturbed or crushed, which is why they are called “stink bugs.” They can be a problem for several reasons:

• Agricultural damage: They feed on the sap of crops, causing stunted growth, deformities, and reduced yields. They can also cause damage to fruit and other crops by leaving puncture wounds, which can lead to mold and rot.
• Nuisance pests: They are also a nuisance pest, entering homes and buildings in large numbers during the fall and winter months. They emit a foul odor when disturbed or crushed, which can be unpleasant and make it difficult to control infestations.
• Spread of disease: Stink bugs can also spread plant diseases as they feed, leading to further damage to crops and ornamental plants.

Host Plants

Stink bugs (Family Pentatomidae) are a group of insects that feed on a wide range of plants, including both agricultural crops and wild plants. Some of the common host plants include:

• Fruit trees: Stink bugs feed on fruit trees such as apples, peaches, and plums, causing damage to the fruit and reducing the yield.
• Vegetables: Stink bugs feed on a wide range of vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, beans, and corn.
• Ornamental plants: Stink bugs also feed on ornamental plants, such as roses, hibiscus, and other flowering plants.

Regions impacted

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is native to Asia, specifically in China, Japan, and Korea. It was introduced to North America, specifically in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, in the late 1990s and has since spread to many other parts of the country.

The green stink bug (Chinavia hilaris) is native to North America, where it is commonly found in many parts of the United States and Canada.

Description

Stink bugs are typically shield-shaped insects with broad, rounded bodies, green or brown in color. Some species have distinctive markings or patterns on their bodies that make them easy to recognize.

Stink bugs have long antennae and short, sturdy legs. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to feed on the sap of plants, causing damage to crops and ornamental plants.

Adult stink bugs are typically between 5/8 and 1 inch in length (up to 2.5 cm). The size of stink bugs can vary depending on the species, with some species being larger or smaller than others.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of stink bugs typically involves several stages, including egg, nymph, and adult. The specific details of the life cycle can vary depending on the species, but here is a general overview of the life cycle:

• Eggs: Female lay their eggs in clusters on the undersides of leaves or on stems. The eggs are typically yellow or green in color and are usually laid in a row.
• Nymphs: After hatching from the eggs, nymphs go through several molts as they grow and mature. Nymphs are similar in appearance to adult stink bugs, but they are smaller and lack the full coloration and markings of the adult.
• Adults: After several molts, nymphs reach maturity and become adult. Adults feed on the sap of plants, causing damage to crops and ornamental plants.

The life cycle can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the species and the environmental conditions. Some species of  have multiple generations per year, while others have only one generation.

Damage and Detection

Stink bugs can cause significant damage to crops and ornamental plants, as well as being a nuisance pest in homes and buildings. Here’s a look at the damage caused and how to detect their presence:

• Damage: Stink bugs feed on the sap of plants, which can cause stunted growth, deformities, and reduced yields. They can also cause damage to fruit and other crops by leaving puncture wounds, which can lead to mold and rot.
• Detection: Detecting them is relatively straightforward, as they are often visible on plants, particularly when they are feeding. They can also be detected by the unpleasant odor they emit when disturbed or crushed.

Prevention and Control

Preventing an infestation is an important part of controlling these pests. Here are some steps you can take to prevent them from damaging your crops and ornamental plants:

• Clean up plant debris: Removing plant debris from the garden and around the home can help to reduce the habitat and food sources for stink bugs.
• Use insect-repelling plants: Planting insect-repelling plants, such as marigolds, nasturtium, radishes, garlic, basil, catnip, and chrysanthemums, near your crops can help to keep them away.
• Practice crop rotation: Rotating your crops each year can help to reduce the buildup of stink bug populations in your garden.
• Seal cracks and crevices: Sealing cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and other entry points can help to prevent them from entering your home.

Getting rid of these pests can be a challenge, but there are several steps you can take to control infestations and reduce the damage caused by these pests:

• Physical removal: You can physically remove stink bugs from plants and remove them from the area to reduce populations.
• Insecticides: If stink bugs are a problem in your area, using insecticides can help to control infestations. However, it is important to use insecticides responsibly, following all label instructions and protecting beneficial insects and the environment.
• Beneficial insects: Encouraging the presence of beneficial insects, such as lacewings, spiders, soldier beetles, and parasitic wasps, can help to control their populations naturally.
• Crop covers: Covering crops with row covers or other types of physical barriers can help prevent them from feeding on plants.
• Vacuuming: If stink bugs have entered your home, vacuuming them up is an effective way to remove them.

In addition to these methods, it is also important to monitor your plants regularly for their presence and to control infestations as soon as possible. This can be done through a combination of cultural, preventive, and control measures tailored to your specific needs and situation.

If you have questions or concerns about stink bugs on your plants, it is best to consult with a local horticulturist or agricultural extension office for specific recommendations for your area. They can provide guidance on effective control measures and can help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation.