Stink Bug

There are hundreds of varieties of stink bugs, the ones that get the attention, though, are the Asian entries. They arrived on America’s shores in 1998 and spread across the country quickly. They swarm in the walls of homes, and wherever else they can make themselves comfortable.

The Asian entries aren’t the only problem causers, though, those native to North America have long caused issues for growers. Most types of stink bugs suck sap, damaging plants and leaving them weak. They aren’t picky, they’re happy to feed of vegetation, as well as fruit and vegetables.

Stink Bug Identification 

The stink bug belongs to the Pentatomidae family, there are almost 5000 species in this family. The most common types are dusky, rice, Southern, green, and brown stink bugs. The other types include chust and shield bugs. The majority of them can be identified by their shield, which is a hardened area of the thorax that appears as an armor.

Their coloring can be mottled or solid, ranging brown bright green with orange or red trim, or brown and black. They are generally black in the south, while green in the north, and in the areas in between a unique color combination of both.

The stink comes from a gland which is located in the thorax, and the smell is described as rotten cilantro. It releases its stink as a defense mechanism, which is difficult for gardeners to contend with, especially if the bugs are in a cluster.

Stinkbug Damage

They have a voracious appetite, and feed from whatever plants they can find. Their preference is for fleshy fruits, but they adapt. Some stink bugs live on woody plants and cacti in arid climates. Though, they prefer irrigated crops that are commercially raised.

The crop damage that is caused by stink bugs is generally cosmetic, however, this can result in spoilage and early decay. Additionally, they leave pin pricks creating blemishes, and inject digest enzymes into the plant that results in discoloration. In leafy crops the damage can be seen in blotches, while corn will have dark spots.

Stink Bug Control

We control stink bugs for customers in Grand Rapids with our perimeter pest control program. We spray the perimeter of your house with a insecticides. We focus on spraying cracks where stink bugs can get into your house. A normal perimeter pest control program to control stinkbugs is three applications spread out across the spring, summer, and fall. We also spray surrounding plants where stinkbugs may congregate.