How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
February 7th, 2009 Posted in Ornamental & Lawn Pests
If another bug was facing off against a stink bug in a cage match, the opposing bug’s best bet at defeating the stink bug would be nose plugs. Stink bugs release an odor that deters counterparts. Many insects use external methods when protecting themselves; for example, bees sting in order to protect their colonies. However, the stink bug is the smelly kid in the class of Insectas, but the smelly kid with a secret weapon – the natural ability to keep others away.
This article will answer:
- What do stink bugs look like?
- What do stink bugs eat?
- Where do stink bugs live?
- How do stink bugs “stink?”
- What do stink bugs do?
- How to get rid of stink bugs
What do stink bugs look like?
Stink bugs are broad, shield-shaped bugs with a body length between 5 and 18 millimeters. Adults have four wings and a long, thick beak held between the legs. While most stink bugs are colored green or brown, many are brightly colored or have conspicuous marks.
Stink bugs also have 5 divided sections of their bodies from which their name Pentatomidae came.
The 5 body sections of a stink bug include:
- Pronotum
- Scutellum
- 2 basal leathery portions of hemelytra – one on each side of the scutellum
- overlapping, membranous portions of hemelytra that seem like 1 section
The stink bug also has 5 antennae, so the number 5 appears to be an important characteristic for this arthropoda.
What do stink bugs eat?
Most stink bugs are plant feeders, although a few are predators (eat other bugs).
Some plants that stink bugs feed on include:
- Cabbage
- Cotton
- Other roadside vegetation
Where do stink bugs live?
Stink bugs inhabit fields, meadows, yards and gardens, specifically on herbaceous plants and low shrubs in these locations. Stink bugs mostly come out at night and are active from spring through late fall.
Finding stink bugs can sometimes be a challenge. Most times, they are all around and easy to spot. However, sometimes the green and brown stink bugs can blend into their surroundings.
The best place to find a stink bug would be in gardens where no insecticides have been used – places that are organic.
How do stink bugs “stink?”
Stink bugs produce odors from thoracic glands in order to defend themselves. These glands are located in their thorax between the first and second pair of legs.
The foul-smelling liquid is released to potential predators and is sometimes discharged when a bug is handled carelessly. For example, humans can make stink bugs release the “stink” by holding the insect with their thumb and forefinger on the sides.
The “stink” is chemically similar to pheromones, or the chemical that triggers natural behavioral responses in another member of the same species. The nymph stink bugs (like adults except smaller and without wings) also have stink glands.
What do stink bugs do?
Both adult and nymph stink bugs are capable of harming plants. With their piercing, sucking mouth-parts, they inject digestive enzymes, distillate plant fluids and permit entry of pathogenic microorganisms.
Stink bugs deposit their eggs on the underside of leaves in groupings with tight rows of individual barrel-shaped eggs. In the early spring, adult females seek out suitable hosts and deposit their eggs on these hosts. These “overwintering” populations of stink bugs are found along field borders, particularly tree lines.
Soon after egg deposition and hatching, nymphs start to emerge, near or on the egg mass. They begin to feed and disperse as they develop. The life cycle continues when reproductively mature, adult stink bugs locate mates and lay new egg masses.
How to get rid of stink bugs
While stink bugs are seldom encountered by humans, they can still indirectly cause harm, whether it’s plant damage or blemishes on fruits. If stink bug numbers overpopulate a plant, then the crop can eventually fail. This is when stink bugs become pests.
While synthetic pesticides might be one option at preventing stink bug harm, the better option is EcoSMART’s organic pesticide products:
“EcoSMART’s breakthrough technology offers powerful solutions to the problems of chemical toxicity and pest resistance. This technology is the first to provide an effective alternative to synthetic pesticides.” These products are safe for the environment and for use around children and pets. Try EcoSMART for free to get rid of stink bugs!
Stink bugs go by a couple of other names, including “Shield Bugs” and “Squash Bugs.” Stink bugs appear to carry their shield across their back, like a Medieval Knight would protect himself with armor. However, the shield is just a front. The stink bugs’ superpower lies in its smell – similar to a toxic gas one of James Bond’s villains would attempt to use on the double agent.
Since the “stink” emitted by stink bugs is similar to pheromones found in many species, perhaps we all put off a smell in order to protect ourselves. Maybe the way each of us smell indicates an inherent message we are trying to communicate. You can blame it on the dog, but maybe it’s you that just wants to be left alone.
Megan McLachlan
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- Oct 16, 2009: How to Squash a Squash Bug
16 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!
By aruna on Sep 14, 2009
Looking for a safer way to get rid of these stink bugs. When so I saw the ecosmart site I was hopeful that i might have found something safe to use around kids. Hope it works!
By Alan Horner on Oct 24, 2009
i sure hope this stuff works. ive been finding stink bugs all over the house-20 a day for 2 months now. its crazyyyy
By Kelsey Breaux on Oct 25, 2009
I hate these bugs!
We don’t have them at home (at least, not to my knowledge…) but they are all over the place at college.
If they eat cotton as a plant, will they eat my cotton clothing?
They are huge and loud, and scary (plus I heard that they can bite people)…Wish they would just go away.
By sheri oneill on Nov 8, 2009
We have so many stinkbugs that it’s getting to where I want to move. If it’s non-toxic and works, I would LOVE to try EcoSMART!
By Eric on Dec 22, 2009
Well, they don’t bite and frankly I have yet to smell their deterrent odor. However, they are clumsy like Japanese Beetles and suck at flying, so they’ll just land on your eye out of nowhere. My saw one in the bathroom last month and named it, so now she always says hi when she sees them. Pretty cute for 2 1/2 years old.
I didn’t realize they can be hazardous to crops, though I’m not surprised. What is it with these skeevie insects from Asia, anyway? Also interesting is how the weren’t really around until the late 90s, and now they’re everywhere.
I’m curious to see how effective EcoSMART products are. Humans spew WAY too many chemicals into the environment, so an effective alternative would be great!
By Tonya of Baltimore, MD on Jan 9, 2010
I’ve been finding stinkbugs in my since Aug. 2009 and I’m ready to move! I can’t find the point(s) of entry and it’s driving me crazy! I find myself constantly looking at the walls and ceilings waiting for one to appear – and guess what? Eventurally one does!
By Roy of MD on Jan 15, 2010
I’m finding stickbugs all over my home. I can’t find where they are getting in the house. I gotta find a way to get rid of these thing it’s driving my wife and kids nuts.I hope EcoSmart works.
By Carolyn Green on Jan 17, 2010
We are inundated with stink bugs and have been for months. They are all over the house, hide under the sheets and between folded towels. In the attic, hundreds of them line pictures stored there. I’m really getting disgusted with these things. I vacuum and hours later there are both live and dead ones on the floors. I’ve heard they are harmless but they certainly are annoying.
By Laura on Jan 20, 2010
I too have these in my house they are so nasty. The other night I woke up to one crawl on my arm and tonight on the babies crib. This is horrible – I can no longer sleep. Does this ecosmart work?
I can not live like this anymore.
By Brian on Jan 28, 2010
I would love to test Ecosmart I have so many of these bugs that I’m finding 2 or 3 a nite. I caught 25 bugs off the screen porch in the fall in 1 day.
By Jay on Feb 10, 2010
Its stink bug city here in the shuswap. We own and run a motel, and some years the stink bugs all but run the place. One year i had a woman ringing the bell in an absolute panic, as although i told her not to turn the heat up over 20, she did , and them little heathens came out of the woodwork..litterally, (log building) She was mortified and left screaming as if she was being attaked by bee’s. Alot of people who are not familiar with them, think they are cockroaches. truely bad for business. I could certainly use some help getting rid of them.
By EcoSMART Megan on Feb 10, 2010
Dear Jay,
Stinkbugs are definitely not welcomed guests at any motel.
My suggestion is to spray your rooms top to bottom with an organic pesticide. EcoSMART has a home value bundle that comes with a variety of organic pesticides to use around your motel.
Your guests will definitely appreciate it!
By DANIELLE on Feb 10, 2010
I WOULD LOVE TO TEST YOUR PRODUCTS NEVER TRIED THEM BEFORE
By julie olivett on Feb 11, 2010
We have the buggers too & they drive us crazy as well. We prefer to use eco-friendly products for the environment & the safety of our 5 cats.
I would love to test these products & if they work well I will definitely be telling everyone that I know!! Everyone is always asking each other how to get rid of them.
By Jen M on Mar 11, 2010
I’d love to be a tester. I have HUNDREDS of these things inside my house on a sunny day.