These pests eat both edible and ornamental plants.
All life stages of stink bugs can cause damage to foliage and fruit.
You don’t want thisinvasive speciesin your garden.
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Jim Walgenbach, PhD, is a professor and extension entomology specialist at North Carolina State University.
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What Are Stink Bugs?
When the eggs hatch, the yellow-red striped nymphs crawl around and feed on plants, too.
Why Are They Called Stink Bugs?
As you may have guessed, these pests have earned their name.
Its not toxic or dangerous to people or pets, but the strong aroma can linger for hours.
Its been described as smelling like everything from almonds to cilantro.
Do Stink Bugs Bite?
Their biggest threat is to crops.
While you may think theyre disgusting, theyre mostly just a nuisance for most homeowners, says Walgenbach.
What Attracts Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs like warmth and light, especially as the weather begins to cool.
You may see themin your homein fall or winter.
Theyre seeking a dry, cozy place to hide out until spring, says Walgenbach.
If they find an ideal location, theyll secrete a chemical odor to attract their friends.
They are also attracted to the pheromones emitted by other stink bugs.
How Do I Get Rid Of Stink Bugs In The Garden?
Try a multi-pronged approach, says Walgenbach.
After hatching,neem oil spraysmay suppress (but likely wont eliminate) the nymph stages.
Forsevere infestations, you might spray with an organic botanical insecticide, such as Pyganic.
But Walgenbach cautions that these products are broad spectrum and take out the good bugs, too.
Other management methods, such as traps, have so far been ineffective.
How Do I Get Rid Of Stink Bugs Indoors?
Most of the time, youll find only a few stink bugs hanging out indoors.
If you see one in your house, don’t squish them.
Vacuum
you could alsouse your vacuumto suck them up.
Then empty the vacuum canister into the trash and dispose of it.
Fill a jar or pan halfway with soapy water and set it under a light.
Stink bugs will be attracted to the light and fall into the water.
When it falls, it will be trapped in the solution.
Flush the stink bug down the toilet.
If you have large numbers of stink bugs in your home, you may need to call a professional.
Use essential oils in these scents to repel them.
Stink bugs are active from March through September.
They reappear during warm weather, so you may see them again during an especially warm fall or winter.
Spray stink bugs with a 50-50 mixture of water and dish soap or insecticidal soap to kill them immediately.
An equal mixture of water and vinegar will also work.
PennState College of Agricultural Sciences Extension.Brown marmorated stink bug.
University of Maryland Extension.Tips for dealing with brown marmorated stink bugs.
