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What are Stink Bugs?
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is considered an invasive species, or a pest of foreign origin, as it was introduced to the United States from Eastern Asia in the mid-1990s. It is also referred to as the yellow-brown or East Asian stink bug. The bug was first collected in the United States in Allentown, PA in the fall of 1996, but apparently not recognized or identified until September 2001.
It quickly spread east to New Jersey, then Virginia by 2004, and now southward to the North Carolina border. Today, BMSBs are most prevalent in the mid-Atlanta region, but they have been identified in 44 states and the District of Columbia. The bug’s native range includes China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
This bug earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed. Many other insects have these same characteristics, including some species of ants, beetles and other bugs.
Pest Stats
- Color: Mottled grayish-brown
- Legs: 6
- Shape: Triangular or shield
- Size: 3/4″ long
- Antennae: Yes
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What Do Stink Bugs Look Like?
Stink bugs are described in several different ways. They are characterized as both “large, oval-shaped insects” and “shield-shaped insects.” Adult stink bugs can reach almost 2 cm in length. They are nearly as wide as they are long. Their legs extend from the sides, so this makes the adult bugs appear even larger. The brown marmorated stink bug is a brownish color. It has lighter bands on the antennae and darker bands on the wings.
Adult stink bugs are good fliers and fold their wings on top of their body when they land. Nymphs do not have fully developed wings. The wings appear when the nymph becomes an adult. Fully developed wings are a way to identify adult stink bugs.
Immature stink bugs, called nymphs, are very tiny when they hatch from their eggs. Nymphs of the brown marmorated stink bug are yellow and red. As they grow, the yellow fades to white. They have bright red eyes during the nymph stage of their life cycle. The nymphs molt or shed their skin five times. Each time a nymph molts, it becomes larger. By the last molt, the nymphs are almost as large as adult stink bugs.
Signs of an Infestation
Homeowners often first detect these pests by their mass invasions in the fall. Finding large numbers of live or dead stink bugs is a telltale sign of an infestation. They will turn up on sunny sides of homes where they warm themselves. Growers often detect an infestation by the damage they cause to their crops.
If an infestation has developed inside the home or building please call PMi and we will have one of our certified pest professionals inspect to determine the severity of the infestation and come up with a game plan to take care of this invasive species.
Stink Bug Infestation
Stink Bug Control and Prevention
To prevent stink bugs from entering homes and buildings, seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings. Typical entry points include around door and window frames, electrical outlets, light switches, ceiling fans, skylights and ceiling light fixtures. Use a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced. Stink bugs are attracted to light, so change exterior lighting to less-attractive yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights.
PMi can also pre-treat for these pests as part of our Quarterly Pest Control plan before they are prevalent.
Threats
They have the potential to spread throughout the country, which could be harmful to the agricultural industry, as they destroy crops. Stink bugs can damage ornamental plants, fruit trees, and gardens, but they are more of a nuisance than a threat to people. They do not cause structural damage or spread disease.
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