Stink Bugs Stink bugs are a common pest that may be found in many different regions of the world, one of its most common locations being in North America. When disturbed, these insects release a terrible smell and show a unique shield-shaped carapace. This article will discuss the introduction to stink bugs, covering such topics as how to identify them, where they live, what they eat, how they reproduce, and how to get rid of them.
Physical Description of Stink Bugs
Adult stink bugs usually have a shield-shaped carapace and a length ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm. They can be any color of brown, copper, blue, green, orange, or yellow, depending on the species. A brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) has coppery-blue depressions on its head and pronotum, lighter bands on its antennae, and darker bands on its body. In contrast, green stink bugs are emerald in color with narrow orange-yellow borders.
The Habitat and Diet of Stink Bugs
During the spring and summer, stink bugs are most active. They flourish in temperatures that are higher than 21 degrees Celsius. In September and October, they make their way indoors to spend the winter, leaving behind lots of outside habitats like weeds and tree bark.
These little buggers are plant feeders, meaning they eat just as much anything you can find on the plant or tree kingdom. Few things that make up their diets are corn, snap beans, tomatoes, peppers, apples, peaches, figs, mulberries, lemons, persimmons, berries, grapes, soybeans, elm trees, and oaks.
Life Cycle
From mid- to late-June, mature stink bugs lay eggs which hatch after a slow metamorphosis. Most of the time, these eggs are laid in clusters of approximately 36 on the stems or leaves of plants. The maturation phase, which takes around five weeks, entails five molts for the nymphs. Stink bugs have an average lifespan of eight months, and in ideal circumstances, they can generate four generations a year.
Signs of Infestation
As the stink bugs get ready to hibernate for the winter, you could notice some telltale signs of an infestation. Particularly in the months of September and early October, you can see them gathered on outside walls that get a lot of sunshine. Once inside, you might see them scurrying around walls, on drapes, or near light fixtures. When the weather warms up in the winter, stink bugs may come out of hiding and gather on walls inside homes.
The Removal and Prevention of Stink Bugs
A vacuum cleaner is an effective tool for removing stink bugs from homes while reducing the amount of their offensive odor. In order to stop the infestation from happening again, you must find all the access points and shut them.
Some stink bug prevention tips include caulking foundation cracks, fixing broken window and door screens, and inspecting for gaps around siding, utility pipes, and chimneys. Seek the advice of an expert in pest control if the infestation is serious. They have the knowledge and skills to properly control the infestation.
To sum up, efficient management of stink bugs requires knowledge of their behaviors. When dealing with stink bug infestations, it's best to take a holistic approach that covers both extermination and prevention, whether you choose to tackle it on your own or hire a professional.