You’ve likely seen — or stepped on — a stink bug at least a dozen times this year.
Green stink bugs are native to Ohio, but their brown counterparts are not. Both species can be nuisances, though.
According to Ohio State University Extension, Clermont County, brown marmorated stink bugs are invasive species originating in China, Japan and Korea. They were first found in Pennsylvania in the early 2000s, and they aren’t leaving anytime soon. Now, they can be found in 41 states.
Threat
Stink bugs don’t pose any harm to humans or animals. They don’t damage buildings, either. Stink bugs just, well, stink. Other than their smelly presence when crushed, stink bugs may leave a stain on fabric or skin.
Stink bugs are a much larger problem for farmers because they pose a threat to corn and soybean crops. Stink bugs feed on crops by piercing through the skin, which damages the product so that it can no longer be sold.
Bug control
Stink bugs will be heading for shelter before winter sets in, but they won’t reproduce inside a house.
In order to keep stink bugs out of your house, seal cracks around doors and windows with caulk. Even the smallest crack is big enough for a stink bug to get through.
For farmers, insecticides may be the only solution. Regardless, an infestation of stink bugs is a major worry.
Remedies
Want a simple way to rid your home of stink bugs? According to Ohio State University Extension Agronomic Crops Network, collect them in a sealable plastic bag or sealed jar, then stick them in the freezer. In a couple days, the bugs will be dead.
Vacuuming is another option, as long as you dispose of them outside quickly in case they aren’t dead and crawl out of your vacuum. You’ll also want to clean out your vacuum so the stink bug’s smell won’t linger.
Another easy way to get rid of stink bugs is by using a homemade trap. Developed by Virginia Tech, the team of researchers recommend filling a foil pan with half a gallon of water, dish soap and placing the pan under a light, such as a desk lamp, for 12 hours. The light attracts stink bugs, and the soapy water suffocates them. This remedy is only effective in the home.
Related stories:
- Growing number of stink bugs could cause problems for farmers
- Homemade stink bug traps squash store models
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Lemme tell ya–these brown stink bugs are hardy critters.
Had a bunch hole-up in an outbuilding way high up in the roof. Not wanting to get the ladder,
I had a aerosol can of the hornet/wasp spray that shoots 20 feet handy. A little bit of this stuff knocks down yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, whatever.
Drenched those buggers dripping wet with the stuff.
It did NOTHING! Nada. Zip. Zero.
The brown stink bugs hardly moved. Tough critters.
We posted a story in May on how to make a homemade stink bug trap. Let us know if you give it a try: http://www.farmanddairy.com/news/homemade-stink-bug-traps-squash-store-models/189770.html
As for an over the counter spray, The only thing that kills them is Stink Bug spray by St. Gabriel Organics. I’ve been using it for a couple of years, kills them on contact, and it’s all natural ingredients.
Good to know. Thank you for sharing this remedy!
What do these bugs do? Do the “babies” or small ones crawl on your skin? Do they ever burrow into your skin? Thanks for any info you can share.
Hi Sue,
Try this source for more information: http://njaes.rutgers.edu/stinkbug/faq.asp.
Thanks,
Katie
I have noticed that the eaves, or the areas underneath a roof that overhangs and protrudes more outward, behind the soffits and gutters, typically have a series of vents and can pose as a potential weak spot for insect infestation. I have found that using window screen material behind all exterior vents works wonderfully in deterring pests.
I mix in a cup water and some blue dawn dish soap. When I see one inside or out I put the cup near them and they hop right in. They die in 30 seconds or so. Got rid of lots this way.