Stink bugs… the name alone is a big turn off. But, their smells only part of the reason these pests are so Offensive. It’s true they emit a noxious odor when harassed or crushed. And controlling them is a real pain, especially when they manage to get inside a building. But they also so a lot of damage to trees, plants and the fruits and vegetable they bear. And that’s the biggest problem.
Chances are good you’ve seen a stink bug at one time or another. That’s particularly true if you spend a lot of time outdoors. They’re very common, living all over the world. Experts have classified over 200 species in North America alone. Of that 200, rough stink bugs, brown stink bugs, green stink bugs, and spined soldier bugs are some of the species common to this part of the U.S.
Enter the BMSB
Domestic stink bugs have always been a source of trouble, but an imported species…brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB)…have people in many states on high alert right now.
Native to Eastern Asia, the first BMSB specimens in the U.S. were collected near Allentown, PA. That was in 1996. No one knows exactly when, where, or how the bugs originally came ashore. For five years no one knew what they were, but the species was eventually identified in 2001. By then, these pests had spread and were causing problems across a handful of mid-Atlantic states.
BMSB numbers have exploded in the past quarter-century, and their territory has expanded to include almost all of the continental U.S. They now pose a “significant risk to agriculture” (the highest level of alert) in eleven states.
Fourteen states are classified in the second highest level, an “agricultural problem”.
Six states, including neighboring Arkansas and Missouri have reached the middle level, known as “nuisance”.
Only a few BMSB have been spotted in another 14 states. Oklahoma is one of them. We’re currently in the next to lowest stage! But because Arkansas and Missouri have already at a higher level, these pests will likely become a “nuisance” in our area within a few years.
What Do Stink Bugs Look Like?
With rare exception, stick bugs have a distinctive shield-shaped body. Most species are gray, gray-brown, or brown, while a few are green. They usually feature some type of markings, such as banding on antennae or legs. For instance, brown marmorated stick bugs have black-and-white bands on their legs, antennae, and along the sides of their abdomen.
Depending on the species, stick bugs range from 3/8 to 5/8 of an inch long. BMSB are larger than domestic stick bugs; that’s one reason they pose a higher risk. They can consume more and are capable of greater damage.
Do Stink Bugs Really Stink?
Yes! Stink bugs produce a pungent smell when harassed or disturbed. A gland on their abdomen produces a liquid that can be sprayed several inches away from their body. Some compare it to the scent of cilantro and coriander. The odor can linger for hours. If you encounter one or more stink bugs, avoid handling them, and try not to step on one because crushing releases all the smell at once. Removing the odor can take a day or more.
Are Stink Bugs Dangerous?
Once again, the answer is a “yes,” though not in ways you might think.
They can emit an unpleasant smell, but the odor is not generally dangerous to people. They don’t bite, but their presence can cause anxious reactions, especially when a colony is discovered indoors.
Stink bugs’ real danger is in the damage caused to vegetation and trees. Domestic and invasive stink bugs cause major damage to crops, resulting in millions of dollars in damage each year. BMSB takes damage to the next level.
Although you may not be associated with a large-scale farming operation, loss of produce from major farms can affect you indirectly in the form of higher prices at the supermarket. Plus, stink bugs do not discriminate. To them, a lovingly cared for home garden is as attractive as a commercially cultivated field…possibly even more so!
Of considerable concern is the fact BMSB enjoy a wide variety of plants. They love items commonly found in home gardens, such as tomatoes; green, pole, lima, and snap beans; peppers, eggplant, okra, cucumbers, grapevines, and Swiss chard.
Other favorites include grapes; apple, peach, apricot, and nectarine trees. They’ll also attack ornamentals including redbuds and flowering dogwoods, decorative bushes, and flowers.
Should I Be Worried If Stink Bugs Come Inside My House?
If you think the answer is “yes”, you’re correct!
Stink bugs generally live outdoors during the growing season when food is easy to find. As plants die in the autumn, these bugs begin to look for a place to enter “diapause,” a type of hibernation in which their metabolism slows to almost nothing.
These bugs are attracted to light, which is in short supply during cooler months, but abundant in houses. Migration begins in September and October as days grow shorter. They enter buildings through cracks, gaps, holes, and around window and door frames. Once inside the scouts secrete a smelly pheromone that signal the way for others to follow.
You’re no doubt starting to understand why having them inside is not a good idea!
Out migration begins as the bugs’ metabolisms pick up in the spring.
How Can I Prevent an Infestation?
A lot of DIY pest control involves proactive property maintenance. Spring is a great time to undertake preventative projects before temperatures become too hot. You’ll definitely want to complete tasks before September when stink bugs once again look for a place to over-winter.
Sealing all cracks…even small ones…and installing screens on windows, doors, and vents are two of the best measures you can take. Be sure to fill gaps around skylights, electrical fixtures, etc.
Keep wood piles and lumber away from the perimeter of your house, trim bushes and thin plantings to allow more light into the landscaping.
One environmentally sound practice is to encourage beneficial insects (such as braconid wasps and assassin bugs) and birds to dwell in your area. Their presence will discourage stink bugs from gathering on your property.
What Should I Do If Stink Bugs Are Already Inside?
The last thing you want to do is rile stink bugs or crush them indoors! Your best course of action is to use a vacuum cleaner with a long hose to suck both live or dead stink bugs into a canister or disposable bag…preferably the latter! Be sure to close all entrances to unaffected rooms before vacuuming! Discard the bag (or empty the contents) into a closed receptacle located away from your house.
If you find an infestation indoors, give us a call at (405) 679-8729. As licensed pest control professionals we can evaluate the problem and work with you to implement an effective solution.
If you spot stink bugs on your property during the summer, we recommend pre-treating the area around your house in late summer. Applying a barrier will discourage them from coming indoors as days grow shorter. Preventative treatments are one of our specialties and we’d love to help. You can even schedule now for treatment when the proper time comes!
Stink bugs of all kinds can quickly become a major problem when left alone. Wishful thinking won’t make them go away, and the longer you wait to address an issue the more difficult it can be to completely remove them. Learning more about these pests, guarding against entry, and consulting with professionals will help ensure your place remains free of these odiferous insects.
