As People Focus On Bed Bugs, Stink Bugs Move In

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Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 27 Sep 2010 - 11:00 PDT


While scores of inhabitants in northeastern USA have concentrated on combating bed bugs, stink bugs have emerged as a significant pest, not only of crops, but also households. Their back door into people's homes is usually via vents; and once they have a foot in, they are extremely difficult to eradicate. Artificial pesticides which usually do the trick when there is a bug infestation do not appear to be effective against stink bugs. According to researchers in the University of Maryland "There are no chemical recommendations currently available for home use."

The Brown Marmorated Skink Bug (Halyomorpha halys), a common pest in Asia, was first detected in the USA in Pennsylvania in 1998. According to researchers at the College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State, Pennsylvannia, the bug has been a nuisance to homeowners for several years. After spending winter months as an adult in sheltered locations, it starts congregating outside homes during early fall - about now - and seems adept at finding a way in.

This summer the stink bug has emerged as a serious pest for fruit growers; they feed by sucking plant fluids through their beaks. Although fruit that have been marked by these bugs are still good to eat, consumers tend not to want to buy them. Researchers say the bug is also attacking some vegetables, as well as soybeans.

Penn State researchers fear that the stink bug has become such a major pest for apple growers that they may be applying more pesticides than usual. Over the last 30 years great effort has been made to bring down the amount of pesticides in fruit orchards.

Chinese and Japanese scientists are looking into the use of a certain wasp to keep stink bug populations down. However, currently it has not natural predator.

What is the marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys)?

• The adult is 14 to 17 mm long
• It has an overall dark mottled brown color
• It has two antennae, the ends of which have light and dark bands
• There are light and dark bands on the exposed edges of its abdomen
• Its eggs, which are laid from June to August are light green and barrel-shaped
• Nymphs (babies) are mottled and yellowish, with some black or red.
• As the nymph gets older it starts taking on adult features
• Adults have four wings. Although older nymphs look like adults, they have no wings
• It favors shady areas, especially the empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa),butterfly bush (Buddlreia spp.), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), and honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
• They can be a nuisance in homes and buildings during the fall when they seek shelter

Stink bugs are also known as shield bugs. They have small glands on their thorax that can emit a foul-smelling liquid, hence their name. Experts believe the malodorous liquid forms part of their defensive mechanism. If you get any of this liquid on your skin you can wash it off.

To prevent stink bugs from entering your home, seal up cracks with caulk (a waterproof filler and sealant that is used in building and repair to make watertight). Use weather stripping around doors. Check for all possible entry points and block them. After vacuuming the house, empty the vacuum cleaner bag outdoors. If your vacuum cleaner sucks in enough of them, the unpleasant smell can be quite powerful!

There are currently no chemicals that are recommended for home use.

Stink bugs are able to reproduce rapidly and can become a serious threat to crops.

Sources: Penn State, University of Maryland.

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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