What are Stink Bugs?
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Stink bugs, also sometimes referred to as shield bugs, are members of the hemiptera order. They are aptly named because these bugs have small glands located on their thorax that are capable of emitting a malodorous liquid. This ability is believed to be a defensive mechanism they employ against predators and when a stink bug is mishandled, it will in fact defensively release an odor.
There are several different families of stink bugs, ranging in color from brown to brilliant green and they exist in various parts of the world. They are recognized by a triangular shaped plate on their backs. Most stink bugs are plant eaters, making them an agricultural pest insect, but a few are predatory and are welcome because they eat other pest insects. Stink bugs have the ability to reproduce rapidly and can pose a threat to crops if they become abundant. However, many times they feed only on one host plant and may cause only minimal, cosmetic damage. They tend to prefer fruit, though vegetable and cotton crops have been known to be affected by stink bugs.
Stink bugs are generally active from spring to late fall in most regions. They are particularly common in the southern parts of the United States, but have been found around the country. At night, they are attracted to light and may be seen swarming about. Adult stink bugs have four wings and while nymphs closely resemble adults, they are without wings. Stink bugs can generally be found in or near vegetation, especially on tomatoes, melons, and beans. Because a great many stink bugs are brown or green in color, they blend in very easily with their surroundings.
Stink bugs are resistant to many types of pesticides and can be difficult to control. If you discover an infestation of a type of stink bug, you should have an entomologist or bug expert identify the type of bug and determine what control can and should be used, if necessary. Be cautious handling stink bugs because though they can’t harm you, they will emit their odorous production, which most people find very offensive to their olfactory senses – hence the name “stink bug.” The odor of a stink bug does tend to linger, but unlike the similar dispersal system of a skunk, a stink bug’s odor can be washed away with soap and water.
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Regarding stink bugs, I think I have you all beat. In our office, which is the third floor of an old house in Broomall, PA, we have been co-existing with these creatures for eight months now. They are everywhere.
You pick up a pen, or a napkin to wipe your mouth, you better look at the object first. Last week, I thought my ponytail was tickling my neck and when I reached back to scratch, my itch was a stink bug. Just now, I went to drink out of my gray 32 oz water bottle and was taking a large swig. I couldn't figure out why the water wasn't flowing freely. I wound up with a stink bug swimming in my mouth. The smell is very strong but I also had a burning numbness from where the stink bug touched my lips. In the past, I let them live when I found them, pushing them aside or moving them elsewhere. Not anymore. They are toast from now on. - anon52703
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In Jersey we are being inundated with these awful things, the brown marmorated stink bug from asia. Shield shaped, dime sized, fearless, they emit a horrific odor when disturbed that most (but not all) people can smell. They can get in almost microscopic slits, and migrate in for the winter in fall. I hate these little SOBs! They love clothing and luggage, dark places, hair dryiers, etc. Shake your clothes before you put them on, trust me! This is a national emergency in my opinion. I grab them with tp and flush them away. So far no luck with the mint, garlic, or marigold treatments, they are impervious to common pesticides. If any expert out there wants to make a million, find a way to repel and murder these things! - anon50776
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We are in upstate New York, in Queensbury. The plant where I work is infested with stink bugs. There are hundreds on the outside of our building today. I fear it is due to the decrease in the bat population around here. We have never seen it this bad. I have killed over a dozen tonight already. Hate them! - anon49759
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I've never seen or heard about these until recently because this year i've just started to get them. They are so annoying! they would go through my ac and everytime i killed one it would smell so bad. - anon49750
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Wow. i live in Pittsburgh, pa. got to find some jokes about this area because it's becoming overwhelmed with "stink bugs". They are so creepy and scare the poop out of me. Do they bite? Sting, etc. i run every time i see one unless i can creep on it to kill it, if it flies I'm screaming for the husband. Please help, tell me what to do. I'm going buggy.
Micky. P.S. i have had about 25 in my bedroom coming through my a/c. i guess but i now got central air what's the answer now? - anon49570
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I recently found over 150 of them in our bedroom. They were hiding in luggage bags and a pile of clothing. They love clothes and they are coming in through our AC too. They are disgusting and all over the place this summer. We live in Jersey. - anon49204
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I find several a day in my home. I live in Pittsburgh, Pa. I pick them up, let them outside, never smelled any odor at all. They just fly away. - anon49053
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You might have bed bugs, not stink bugs. Bed bugs tend to be clear when they are young and dark when they are older. You might want to protect your mattress and yourself by getting a bedbug lock sheet. I have 7 stink bugs in my apartment right now and they terrify me. They can fly pretty well and they don't seem to move if you come around them. They might move towards you. I live in leesburg VA. - anon48106
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Delaware is being overrun by the stink bug. I have killed many with no stink (most likely because they didn't see me coming) but when my dogs go near them the smell is horrible. I almost got sick the other day after killing one on my desk at work. I had to disinfect my area & hands & the smell still lingered. I cannot wait til these bugs are done for the season! - anon47964
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well i live in between the border of maryland and Washington, D.C. and these bugs are evrywhere. they used to get in through my ac but now they come from everywhere, and every time i kill one, another one appears, but they dont stink or atleast i don't smell it. they are brown with a shield back. - anon46642
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I am finding them in my attic. They are getting through my AC in the window, but I have picked them up and even killed them, but no smell. I live on the east coast, they are fat and brown and have wings. Anyone know what I have? - anon45906
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Norma,When the bug has a red x that's a box elder bug. You would definitely know if it was a stink bug because if you killed it or moved it, it would give off a horrible smell and you would be sure! But, like I said it is probably a box elder which are harmless. They usually live in the trees or plants outside. Staci - anon29189
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This was great! I have 8 stinkbugs as pets, and I hug them every day! My room smells pretty bad, but ya know what? I love 'em. I also have a chinchilla. I kind of need a cage for it. It is living in my bed right now. Thanks for the article! Bye! - anon28616
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Last night I found what I think may have been a stink bug in my bed. It was between my sheet and a one inch foam protect mattress upon my bed. It was almost translucent with a green tint and a red 'x' on its back. It had wings and was about the size of the tip of a girl's pinky finger. Is this a stink bug? - Norma - anon16729
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Can anyone tell me how to get the stain of stink bugs off your hands? - gsnowdon
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J. Beam
Last Modified: 16 November 2009
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