Stink Bug Facts

Stink bugs are within a super family of insects called Pentatomoidea within the order of Hemiptera. These bugs are also known as shield bugs by their shape as a shield. The brown colored stink bugs are the most commonly seen insects. They are an agricultural pest as they eat through vegetation and ruin crops completely.

Facts about Stink Bugs

1. Stink bugs are roughly the size of a pumpkin seed. They have have wings, six legs, antenna and have a variety of color but most have a mottled brown color with a shield-like back.

2. They are originally from the Insecta class, Hemiptera order, within the family of Pentatomidea, the Halymorpha halys, and the Anthropoda Phylum.

3. They eat crops, fruits and vegetables such as soybeans, peaches, tomatoes ruining the products and making it impossible to sell.

4. They don’t hurt humans however they cause damage to plants, and crops.

5. These invasive pest give off a stinky odor through their thorax when they are threatened, crushed or killed.

6. Stink bugs also have another species is called Brochymena arborea which are bugs that look like a form of tree bark and this a camouflage effect to protect the species from predators.

7. These shield shaped stinkers primarily feed on a wide range of fruits and vegetables but there are a few types that can also be helpful as they attack other insects and eat larvae of beetles and caterpillars who are pests to farmers.

8. Adult stink bugs goes into hibernation during the winter seasons but during the springtime they come out of hibernation. These bugs sleep in order to survive the harsh winter weather conditions and are known to survive for up to a year in warm climates.

Tips on How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

1. Start the treatment process outside by using chemical repellants such as horticultural oil, cyfluthrin, permethrin, cypermethrin or tralomethrin to spray around entryways, windows, crawl spaces, cracks, and crevices around the house. However, before using these pest repellants, use gloves and breathing mask to protect the possibilities of inhaling the repellant.

2. Use a vacuum to clean up these bugs instead of crushing them as they will release their foul odor. Empty the contentd and dispose of the vacuum bag as far away from the home as possible such as a garbage container or receptacle.

3. Close up any open cracks and crevices inside and outside the home using caulk seal. This will prevent the shield shaped bugs from entering inside the house.

4. Remove weeds and foliage near the home as this is where the bugs usually host. Scatter kaolin clay near and around the home or spray a kaolin clay mixture solution. These stinking bugs will be unable to reproduce and feed on any plants or crops.

5. Consult with a certified professional pest control who will be able to determine the best ways to protect and secure the home from future attacks by the stink bugs.

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