Stink bugs not only stink but are also tough to kill in your garden and your house. We talked to the experts for answers.
If you spend any time near gardens or vegetable and fruit crops, you’ve probably laid eyes on a few brown marmorated stink bugs. Some people refer to these as shield bugs, but either moniker identifies the same pest. (The scientific name for the stink bugs is halyomorpha halys.)
More concerning than their name, though, is their game. These not-so-innocent looking insects have one goal in life — to take control of just about any crop they can get their tiny little legs on. This includes everything from commercial tomato crops to the peppers and green beans you carefully cultivated in your backyard.
But how to get rid of stink bugs in your garden? Here’s what you need to know.
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What Are Stink Bugs and Where Do They Come From?
Stink bugs are an invasive species that arrived in the U.S. in the 1990s from Asia via Allentown, Pennsylvania, says David Price, a certified entomologist and vice president strategic growth for Mosquito Joe, a nationwide pest control company. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they likely hitched a ride in a shipping container. From there, the pests spread rapidly around the nation.
Now, shield bugs are almost everywhere—in 47 states, to be exact. They are the biggest nuisance in Oregon, Michigan, Tennessee and the mid-Atlantic region, where they are often found chowing down on crops. Favorites include apples, pears, grapes, peppers, tomatoes, hazelnuts and corn.
“They attack crops pretty aggressively,” Price says. How aggressively? In 2010, tree fruit producers lost more than $37 million in crops to stink bugs, as per a report from the University of Florida.
How do I identify a brown marmorated stink bug?
Stink bugs are brown, with white bands on their antennae and legs. They also have alternating light and dark bands on their abdomen. As for the exoskeleton, it resembles—you guessed it—a shield.
If you see a green bug with a similar shape, yes, that is a shield bug, too. However, the green version is native to North America and therefore not as much of a nuisance to crops, says Heather Stoven, an entomologist with Oregon State University. They still stink, though.
Why Are Shield Bugs Also Called Stink Bugs?
And speaking of the stink, have you also wondered about the story behind their nickname?
“When you crush them, they have a foul odor,” says Price.
He adds, “The odor exists to fend off would-be predators. It works, too; the bug has no known predators. The odor is not harmful, just unpleasant.”
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How Do I Know I Have a Stink Bug Problem?
Like many insects, stink bugs lay their eggs on the underside of leaves. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs (i.e., baby insects) feed on those leaves, eventually joining their adult relatives on the fruits and vegetables. You’ll know they’ve been around because you’ll see unsightly brown spots on the skins of your crops.
Unfortunately, they don’t disappear in winter, either. Instead, Price says, they seek shelter and warmth in and around your home.
Potential stink bug hibernation sites include overgrowth and weeds around the yard, wood piles, or any little crack or hole in a structure (house, shed, etc.) they can squeeze into. They’ll hang out all winter long. When spring arrives, they’ll move out of hiding and head on over to your garden.
Natural Solutions for Managing Stink Bugs in Your Yard
We wish we had better news, but getting the brown marmorated stink bug out of your garden isn’t easy. They are incredibly prolific and have no known predators (though their cousin, the green stink bug, has many predators). Price says pesticides have little effect on them thanks to their tough-as-nails exoskeleton. The best you can do is to control them and consider yourself lucky if sightings in your garden are few and far between.
Here are a few tips to keep them at bay, per Price and Stoven:
Ensure all the cracks around your doors, windows, siding and pipes are well-sealed before winter. Also, don’t leave piles of yard debris sitting around. This will discourage overwintering.
If you see them crawling around your house after a long winter’s nap, vacuum them up.
When spring arrives, hang pheromone traps around your garden so you can catch them in the act.
Check leaves for eggs. If you see them, remove or cut the leaves off.
Spray plants with a kaolin clay solution. Kaolin is a mineral that is known to repel insects. It isn’t a sure thing, but it’s worth a try.
Whether or not stink bugs are dangerous depends on how you view this because they don’t typically bite, meaning they aren’t a direct threat to humans. They can, however, cause skin irritation for some people, so don’t squish them and remember to wear gloves. While they are generally not a threat to humans, stink bugs can be a literal death sentence for your plants and your beloved gardens.
What attracts stink bugs to gardens?
There are many reasons why stink bugs are drawn to gardens, including flowers, fruits, decaying plants and other organisms. In some cases, they are even attracted to piles of leaves, excessive dirt and musky smells.
Are there natural ways to repel stink bugs?
Yes! Strong-smelling plants, such as mint, peppermint and lavender are the best choice to naturally repel stink bugs, as they don’t smell sweet. You can even try a garlic oil spray mixed with water. The smell can act as a natural repellent.
What plants are most affected by stink bug infestations?
Legumes, including tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, beets and others, are most affected by stink bug infestations. This is also true for sweet-smelling plants like roses.
About the Expert
David Price is a certified entomologist and vice president of strategic growth for Mosquito Joe, a nationwide pest control company. He is the best source for all things pests.
Heather Stoven is an entomologist with Oregon State University. She is consistently working in propagation, pest management, media preparation, fertility and irrigation
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