Stink Bugs are members of the True Bug Order, also called “plant bugs”. Stink Bugs can congregate around buildings, in high populations becoming a major nuisance. They get their name from a pungent odor they release when handled, crushed or disturbed. There are over 200 Species found in the United States.
Stink bugs can do damage to; trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, fruit on fruit trees and they are a major agricultural pest. They are mostly herbivores and have piercing and sucking mouthparts. They feed by piercing plant parts, injecting digestive enzymes, and removing fluids by sucking them out like a spider.
Stink bugs overwinter in weeds or buildings, they emerge as temperatures rise in the spring. The females begin laying eggs and she will continue to lay eggs throughout the season. Eggs hatch and go through up to six stages to become adults.
Not all Stink bugs are bad. the Spined Soldier bug is a beneficial. It is a carnivore and eats many troublesome insects like caterpillars, grubs and other insects. They also prey on Colorado Potato Beetles. So, leave these!
Control
A couple of tips to help in controlling stink bugs. First, always use HY Spreader Sticker, this helps the chemical to adhere to the waxy shell of the insect and helps increase the length of the residue. Second, they feed and hide in weeds, so spray those areas well and repeat as needed.
HY 38 Plus is the strongest product available for homeowners and leaves the longest residue. Do Not Spray on vegetables.
HY Lawn, Garden, Pet and Livestock Spray and Dust, these can be applied on the Vegetable Garden as well as the landscape and around the house.
Ferti-lome Triple Action is Neem Oil, now OMRI Listed and will kill all stages of the insect including the eggs, nymphs and adults. Beware cautious when it is HOT, spray early morning or on an overcast day. Do Not add spreader sticker with this.
Use ferti-lome Indoor\Outdoor for insects that enter the home, spray around windows and doors.
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