Stinkbug
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They are various shades of brown on both the top and undersides, with gray, off-white, black, copper, and bluish markings. Markings unique to this species include alternating light bands on the antennae and alternating dark bands on the thin outer edge of the abdomen. The legs are brown with faint white mottling or banding. The stink glands are located on the underside of the thorax, between the first and second pair of legs, and on the dorsal surface of the abdomen.
The brown marmorated stink bug is an agricultural pest that can cause widespread damage to fruit and vegetable crops. In Japan it is a pest to soybean and fruit crops. In the U.S., the brown marmorated stink bug feeds, beginning in late May or early June, on a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and other host plants including peaches, apples, green beans, soybeans, cherries, raspberries, and pears. It is a sucking insect, a “true bug“, that uses its proboscis to pierce the host plant in order to feed. This feeding results, in part, in the formation of dimpled or necrotic areas on the outer surface of fruits, leaf stippling, seed loss, and possible transmission of plant pathogens.
The brown marmorated stink bug is more likely to invade homes in the fall than others in the family. The bug survives the winter as an adult by entering houses and structures when autumn evenings become colder, often in the thousands. In one home more than 26,000 stinkbugs were found overwintering. Adults can live from several months to a year.[10][11] They will enter under siding, into soffits, around window and door frames, chimneys, or any space which has openings big enough to fit through. Once inside the house, they will go into a state of hibernation. They wait for winter to pass, but often the warmth inside the house causes them to become active, and they may fly clumsily around light fixtures. Two important vectors of this pest are the landscape ornamentals Tree of Heaven and Princess Tree.
The odor from the stink bug is due to trans-2-decenal and trans-2-Octenal. The smell has been characterized as a “pungent odor that smells like coriander. The stink bug’s ability to emit an odor through holes in its abdomen is a defense mechanism meant to prevent it from being eaten by birds and lizards. However, simply handling the bug, injuring it, or attempting to move it can trigger it to release the odor.
During courtship, the male emits pheromones and vibrational signals to communicate with a female, which replies with her own vibrational signals, as in all stink bugs. The insects use the signals to recognize and locate each other. Vibrational signals of this species are noted for their low frequency, and one male signal type is much longer than any other previously described signals in stink bugs, although the significance of this is not yet clear. Contact us now and learn more about South Shore IPM and there services!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are stink bugs entering my home?
They commonly enter homes during the fall as temperatures begin to drop. They look for warm, sheltered places to spend the winter and often slip inside through small cracks around windows, doors, siding, vents, and utility openings. We can help identify these entry points and recommend effective solutions to keep them out.
Are stink bugs harmful to people or pets?
They are not considered dangerous to people or pets. They do not bite, sting, or spread diseases. However, when disturbed or crushed, they release a strong, unpleasant odor as a defense mechanism, making them a nuisance indoors.
Why shouldn't I crush stink bugs?
Crushing them causes them to release their distinctive odor, which can linger inside your home. In some cases, the scent may even attract others. Instead of handling them directly, it’s best to remove them with a vacuum or contact us if you are dealing with a larger infestation.
How can I prevent stink bugs from getting inside?
The best way to prevent them is to seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, utility lines, vents, and your home’s exterior. Repair damaged screens and weatherstripping, and reduce outdoor lighting near entryways during peak activity seasons. We can inspect your property and recommend additional exclusion methods for long-term protection.
Can South Shore IPM help with recurring stink bug problems?
Yes. If they continue to invade your home year after year, we can provide a thorough inspection to identify how they are getting inside and recommend targeted treatments and preventative measures. Our goal is to reduce activity and help keep your home comfortable throughout the seasons.