The most common occurring Brown Marmorated Stink bugs are an insect of size 1.7 cm having a shield body. The stink bug is generally dark brown in color. Native to Japan, Taiwan, China, and the Korean Peninsula.
The Brown Marmorated stink bugs are part of the Pentatomidae family and are scientifically called “Halyomorpha halys“. They feed on around 100 species of plants most of the agricultural crops. Every year around $20 to $30 million dollars in apple crops will be lost and Stonefruits farmers lose most of their crops due to Stink bug bites.
What attracts stink bugs in your house?
Stink bugs are not native species and they react differently to the changes in temperature. The Brown Marmorated Stink bugs seek a warm place during winter. When the temperature drops down the stink bugs go into hibernation called Diapause.
Diapause: A period of suspended development in an insect, other invertebrates, or mammal embryo, especially during unfavorable environmental conditions.
During winter the Stink bugs seek shelter in your house. They sneak in through cracks, gaps, holes and even through windows causes infestation. They find shelter in the least used space of the house:
- Basements
- Attics
- Storage spaces
- Behind curtain foldings
- Window moldings
During the stay at your house, they will be in the Diapause state. The state at which the Stink bugs will not eat nor reproduce. But if one stink bug makes its way in, it will attract others too. The Pheromones that stink bugs releases, will attract other stink bugs to the house.
Pheromone: A chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal, especially a mammal or an insect, affecting the behavior or physiology of others of its species.
They seek shelter until the spring. Most of them become active once winter is fading. They start to come out from cracks and fly inside the house. Also sometimes if the stink bugs are hiding near room heater or any heat source, they will be fooled by the temperature, thinking its spring. They will be active inside the house.
The homemade remedies can be used to trap the stink bugs. The setting up traps is easy, cheap and fast. It is far better and efficient than commercial traps.
A major step house owner has to take before winter is to seal all cracks, close the vents and also use repellents. It is far better to stop Stink bugs from entering the house, than killing them later.
Handling stink bugs is not a good option. Most of them recommend using a Vacuum cleaner will do the job. Yes, it will do the job, but only if you ok with their stink smell. The Stink bug releases a pungent odor chemical when they feel insecure or in danger. It does for self-defense, but you can’t bear the smell of it. During Vacuum cleaning or handling them, they do release the pungent odor. So be careful while doing this activity.
Are stink bugs toxic to humans?
Stink bugs are not toxic to humans. They are not poisonous, the only thing it releases is a foul-smelling chemical. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug doesn’t have a mouth to bite, so the most common occurring Stink bug does not bite.
But few of them are allergic to the pungent odor may cause few breathing problems, vomiting, irritation and few have skin allergy.
Why shouldn’t you Kill Stink bugs?
Kill Stink bugs using bug traps. But not squash them, in doing so it will release the foul-odor that can cause allergies. This is not the same as Pheromones that attracts other stink bugs. Do not get confused with these two.
The foul-smell chemical is released when the stink bug is in danger and Pheromone is released to call their species that it is safe for sheltering.
How long does a Stink bug smell last?
The stink bug lasts really long, like up to an hour. But it leaves that bad feeling around. So better to use bug repellents and traps. Do not ever try to squish the Stink bug again.
Are Stink bugs active at night?
Yes like any other insects, the Stink bugs are active at night. They are attracted to light at night. Most of the traps are based on light sources.
What plants make Stink Bugs repel?
Stink bugs love 100 species of plants. But few of the plants they do not like, few flowering plants like chrysanthemum, tansy, and marigold. Herbs like garlic, catnip, thyme, mint, and lavender. The strong smell of these flowers and herbs will deter stink bugs from coming to the garden or home. Also, this is the natural way to keep your house and garden free from stink bugs.
Are Stink bugs harmful to pets?
The Stink bugs are annoying. Our curious cats and naughty dogs will not space that annoying creature, they do want to play with those bugs. But Stink bugs release smelly secretions that can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and cats. This may leave for vomiting or excessive drooling. Stink bugs are not poisonous nor harmful to pets.
What is the natural predator of the Stink bug?
There are very few natural predators of the Stink bugs. The Stink bugs have their own species as their predator. The Carnivore Predator stink bug is one of the natural predators for the herbivore stink bug. Also the Assasin bugs, wasps and egg parasitoids. Even research is going on to find the natural predators for the Stink bugs.
Can you keep a Stink bug as a pet?
This is the last possible question can anyone ask for. It depends, you can keep a Stink bug as a pet. It’s not poisonous, will not harm. The only thing to bear is its smelly secretion. You can treat it like any other insect.
Hello, I am Siddartha Reddy . A fulltime farmer and blogger who love to share all his farming experiences. Also, a strong supporter of sustainable farming practices. Thanks for visiting our site, let’s make this world a better place to live. Say No to Chemicals and plastics.
