Stink Bug Facts
Here Are The Stink Bug Facts
Every year, as the weather gets cooler insects start looking for a warm place to spend the winter.It is about this time we begin to notice the stink bugs. They are annoying little brown insects that release a smelly liquid when crushed. Although not a direct threat to humans, these insects can become bothersome as their numbers increase inside of our home.
What Do Stink Bugs Like To Eat?
They can also be very destructive to fruit trees and other plants in the garden. In autumn, they are known to be especially bothersome to apple harvests and other fruit trees, sometimes even ruining large portions of the harvest. The brown marmorated stink bug isn't native to the US- they originate in China, Japan and Vietnam, but in 1996 they showed up in Pennsylvania, and have been working their way around the US ever since. Stink bugs in Maryland and Virginia are becoming a serious problem, and with the approach of cooler fall weather, people will be looking for ways to get rid of them and keep them out of our homes.
How Can We Get Rid Of Stink Bugs?
The first step in getting rid of stink bugs is to recognize them, and understand their life cycle. The brown marmorated stink bug is the most abundant and detrimental stink bugs that home owners will come across this year. These insects are approximately 14 to 17 millimeters long, and are a dark and splotchy brown color. They are shaped like a shield and have 2 antennae that have alternating light and dark bands. They lay their light green barrel shaped eggs outdoors from June to August, often on the undersides of leaves of shade trees.
Here Is A List Of Stink Bug Facts
Here is a list of stink bug facts.
1) They are an agricultural pest and harmless to humans. However, bites have been reported.
2 The bugs have scent glands on their abdomen, and release the scent defensively. If they are threatened they will release an offensive odor, which attracts more bugs.
3) They enter homes in fall in search of a protected place to hibernate. The bugs will enter your home through the smallest of cracks and hide behind baseboards, in drawers and bedding.
4) Stink Bugs do not reproduce inside the house. According to a study by Penn State, they will reproduce only outdoors.
5) They lay eggs on the underside of leaves in masses of 20 - 30 eggs. They can destroy gardens and crops. They poke a hole in the fruit or vegetable to suck the juice leaving dark spots.
6) They will not cause damage to your home. But killing them in the house may cause them to release the offensive odor, which could attract more of the bothersome insects.
7) They emerge in the spring and lay eggs from May through August.
They feed on apples, peaches, soybeans ,corn and citrus fruit. They are becoming a major problem in the mid Atlantic states.9) Stink Bugs live in orchards, gardens, and farms.10) The bugs can live up to one year.
