Do It Yourself Stink Bug Trap

Video of a easy to make, do it yourself stink bug trap for under $10.

How to Control the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Presently, there are no viable strategies for control of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. The use of insecticides has very short-lived effect and there is evidence of resistance development. Even where insecticide is effective, repopulation occurs through migration from non-treated areas. In addition, on-farm insecticide use is not ideal due to disruption of integrated pest management programs.

Homeowners

Do your best to prevent them from entering your home. Placement of screens over windows, doors and vents, removal of window air conditioners and caulking cracks in windows and doorframes will deter the adults from entering. Removal of window air conditioners is important, as numerous BMSB will enter this way. If small numbers occur indoors, they can be removed either by hand or by using a shop-vacuum.
If large numbers are observed or have been observed in previous years, you may wish to contact your local pest control company who can do a perimeter pesticide spray. This must be done at the appropriate time (when the insects first appear) and control may be difficult to achieve. It is important to consider the effects of pesticides in your home before any pesticide applications occur.

Farmers

How to protect your crops:

• Stay informed through Rutgers NJAES as management strategies are developed.
• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug IPM Working Group: Additional Resources
• See the Growing Produce publication of the Agricultural Research Service Action Plan. Some objectives for the short term are quoted below.

"Define a rational chemically based management strategy first as an immediate emergency stop-gap rescue strategy, and second as part of a sustainable pest management plan. At the present time, growers are applying pesticides belonging to one or two chemical classes, namely the pyrethroids and carbamates, in an attempt to save their crops. Chemical control is not considered desirable over the long-term, due to expected crop resistance to these chemicals and disruptions to integrated pest management (IPM) programs, but will play an immediate role in salvaging crop production and a limited, ongoing role in more sustainable management programs. Accordingly, researchers will seek to define an appropriate short-term chemical control strategy for the 2011 season as researchers carry out the medium- and long-term research needed to develop a more sustainable approach."

Contributing Locations: ARS-Kearneysville; PSU; Rutgers; Virginia Tech; and UMD

Early Fall is Stink Bug Season

If you live in stink bug country, you may have noticed that you’re not home alone anymore.
Clinging to your screens, creeping up your walls, hiding in your lamp shades and nestling in your laundry basket are the latest home invaders of the buggy sort.

The brown marmorated stink bug is on the move, sneaking its way into your house, if not your heart, as it seeks a warm and cozy place to spend the winter.

This prehistoric-looking bug, shield-shaped and dressed in dull brown, is appearing in large numbers this season in many parts of the state, making strong men recoil and little children shriek. We women, of a more practical bent, plot their demise or just threaten to pack our bags and leave.

Where did they come from and what are they up to? The stink bugs in question are Chinese imports, first reported around Allentown, Pa., in 1996. They probably arrived in packing material with shipped goods — isn’t everything we buy these days made in China? Since touching down in America, the Asian stink bug has made remarkable progress for an insect that can take half an afternoon to make its way across your living room... read more

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), an insect not previously seen on our continent, was apparently accidentally introduced into eastern Pennsylvania. It was first collected in September of 1998 in Allentown, but probably arrived several years earlier. As of September 2010, Halyomorpha halys has been recorded from the following 37 counties, although it is probable that they are in all counties:

Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Snyder, Washington, Westmoreland and York

It is also recorded from many other states such as:

California, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia

Sightings have also been reported in the following states however this is not to imply that there are reproducing populations in those states:

Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Washington, and Wisconsin

This true bug in the insect family Pentatomidae is known as an agricultural pest in its native range of China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Recently, the BMSB has become a serious pests of fruit, vegetables and farm crops in the Mid-Atlantic region and it is probable that it will become a pest of these commodities in other areas in the United States.
BMSB becomes a nuisance pest both indoors and out when it is attracted to the outside of houses on warm fall days in search of protected, overwintering sites. BMSB occasionally reappears during warmer sunny periods throughout the winter, and again as it emerges in the spring.

Description

Adults are approximately 17 mm long (25 mm = one inch) and are shades of brown on both the upper and lower body surfaces (Fig. 1). They are the typical “shield” shape of other stink bugs, almost as wide as they are long. To distinguish them from other stink bugs, look for lighter bands on the antennae and darker bands on the membranous, overlapping part at the rear of the front pair of wings. They have patches of coppery or bluish-metallic colored puntures (small rounded depressions) on the head and pronotum. The name “stink bug” refers to the scent glands located on the dorsal surface of the abdomen and the underside of the thorax.
The eggs are elliptical (1.6 x 1.3 mm), light yellow to yellow-red with minute spines forming fine lines. They are attached, side-by-side, to the underside of leaves in masses of 20 to 30 eggs.
There are five nymphal instars (immature stages). They range in size from the first instar at 2.4 mm to the fifth instar that is 12 mm in length. The eyes are a deep red. The abdomen is a yellowish red in the first instar and progresses to off-white with reddish spots in the fifth instar. Protuberances are found before each of the abdominal scent glands on the dorsal surface. The legs, head and thorax are black. Spines are located on the femur, before each eye, and several on the lateral margins of the thorax (Fig. 2).

Figure 1. Adult brown marmorated stink bug.

Figure 2. BMSB nymphs on Trumpet Creeper

Life History

This species probably has a single generation per year in Pennsylvania depending on the temperatures. Warm spring and summer conditions could permit the development of two or three generations. However, in parts of sub-tropical China, records indicate from four to possibly six generations per year. Adults will emerge sometime in the spring of the year (late April to mid-May), and mate and deposit eggs from May through August. The eggs hatch into small black and red nymphs that go through five molts. Adults begin to search for overwintering sites starting in September through the first half of October.

Damage

In its native range, it feeds on a wide variety of host plants. Fruits attacked include apples, peaches, figs, mulberries, citrus fruits and persimmons. This true bug has also been reported on many ornamental plants, weeds, soybeans and beans for human consumption. Feeding on tree fruits such as apple results in a characteristic distortion referred to as “cat facing,” that renders the fruit unmarketable as a fresh product.

Apple Damage

This insect is becoming an important agricultural pest in Pennsylvania. In 2010, it produced severe losses in some apple and peach orchards by damaging peaches and apples. It also has been found feeding on blackberry, sweet corn, field corn and soybeans. In neighboring states it has been observed damaging tomatoes, lima beans and green peppers.

Peach and Sweet Corn Damage

These insects are not known to cause harm to humans, although homeowners become alarmed when the bugs enter their homes and noisily fly about. The stink bug will not reproduce inside structures or cause damages. If many of them are squashed or pulled into a vacuum cleaner, their smell can be quite apparent.

Management For BMSB In Homes

Before Bugs Enter a Building

Mechanical exclusion is the best method to keep stink bugs from entering homes and buildings. Cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings should be sealed with good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced.
Exterior applications of insecticides may offer some minor relief from infestations where the task of completely sealing the exterior is difficult or impossible. Applications should consist of a synthetic pyrethroid (i.e. deltamethrin, cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, sumithrin or tralomethrin) and should be applied by a licensed pest control operator in the fall just prior to bug congregation. Unfortunately, because insecticides are broken down by sunlight, the residual effect of the material will be greatly decreased and may not kill the insects much beyond several days or a week.

After Stink Bugs Have Entered the Structure

If numerous bugs are entering the living areas of the home, attempt to locate the openings where the insects gain access. Typically, stink bugs will emerge from cracks under or behind baseboards, around window and door trim, and around exhaust fans or lights in ceilings. Seal these openings with caulk or other suitable materials to prevent the insects from crawling out. Both live and dead stink bugs can be removed from interior areas with the aid of a vacuum cleaner - however, the vacuum may acquire the smell of stink bugs for a period of time.
It is not advisable to use an insecticide inside after the insects have gained access to the wall voids or attic areas. Although insecticidal dust treatments to these voids may kill hundreds of bugs, there is the possibility that carpet beetles will feed on the dead stink bugs and subsequently attack woolens, stored dry goods or other natural products in the home. Although aerosol-type pyrethrum foggers will kill stink bugs that have amassed on ceilings and walls in living areas, it will not prevent more of the insects from emerging shortly after the room is aerated. For this reason use of these materials is not considered a good solution to long-term management of the problem. Spray insecticides, directed into cracks and crevices, will not prevent the bugs from emerging and is not a viable or recommended treatment.

Warning

Pesticides are poisonous. Read and follow directions and safety precautions on labels. Handle carefully and store in original labeled containers out of the reach of children, pets, and livestock. Dispose of empty containers right away, in a safe manner and place. Do not contaminate forage, streams, or ponds.

What Are Stink Bugs?

Pentatomoidea, commonly known as stink bugs or shield bugs, is referred to a super family of insects belonging to the Heteroptera suborder. In this order the insects share common characteristics such as piercing mouth-parts as well as a particular kind of wings which are toughened at the base and membranous at the tips.

The scientific name of stink bugs, Pentatomoidea, has been derived from the fact that they have an antenna which is divided into five segments. Stink bugs have broad bodies that are either in triangular shape or semi-elliptical. Their bodies serve the purpose of defensive shield against predators; this is why they are sometimes referred to as "shield bugs".

Stink bugs excrete offensive smelling liquid from their thorax glands that are placed in between the first and second pair of legs. When they are molested or attacked by predators, they produce this liquid defensively in order to put off potential threat to their lives. Usually, they are not considered to be pests for they do not render significant loss to plants; however, when they make a larger group, they may become considerable pests.

It is worth mentioning here that all stink bugs have sucking mouthparts and broad bodies, but still there are variations in their body colorings. On account of this distinction they are further divided into fifteen different species. Among them brown stink bugs and green stink bugs are the most famous types... read more

Stink Bugs In New Jersey damage to agriculture Video

November 9 2010 - Video on Stink Bugs, on the damage they cause to agriculture

Bad year for stink bugs in New Jersey

Stink Bugs Are Causing A Stink In The New York Area Video

November 9 2010 -

Stink Bugs Are Causing A Stink In The New York Area - see video below

Stink Bug News Roundup November 8 2010

Stink Bugs Invade Georgia  
When a stink bug gets smushed, it can stain fabrics and leaves an ammonia-like smell that's difficult to get rid of. And the pesticides that kill the ...
Bug Stinks Up Homes, Crops‎ - Laboratory Equipment
Stink bugs invade Michiana area‎ - South Bend Tribune
Stink bugs continue to foul up area‎ - Gainesville Times

Stink Bugs Bothering You - Share Advice

At NJ.com they have posted an article where readers can provided comments and useful information on how they are dealing with stink bugs.  you can read comments and post comments HERE.

Fact Sheets and References For Stink Bugs Oct 11 2010

Forest Health Fact Sheet- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/leaflets/stinkbug.htm

E. Asian stink bug infesting homes in Allentown Pennsylvania, PA
Cornell Chronicle Nov. 1, 2001
http://www.news.cornell.edu/chronicle/01/11.1.01/stinkbugs.html

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Monitoring for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/stinkbug/default.asp

Hamilton, G.C. and P.W. Shearer. 2003. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug- A New Exotic Insect in New Jersey. Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=fs002

Hoebeke, E.R. 2002. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys. Regulatory Horticulture. 28: 35-37.
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/lib/agriculture/plantindustryfiles/reghort_vol28_2002.pdf

Jacobs, S.B. and K. Bernhard. 2002. Yellow-Brown Stink Bug. Penn State Entomological Notes
http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/brownMarmoratedstinkbug.htm

Oregon Department of Agriculture Pest Alert: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
http://egov.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/docs/pdf/ippm_halyomorpha.pdf

Northeast IPM Center Pest Alert: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/pest/pdfs/stink_bug_pest_alert.pdf

Foxtail fungus found to repel stink bugs

INteresting news story on fungus that has been found to repel the stink bug - October 11, 2010 - Read Foxtail fungus found to repel stink bugs

Pest Alert Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Here is an interesting report with pictures on the Brown Marmorated Stik Bug

Stink Bugs What Do They Look Like and How to Get Rid

According to the Chester County PA Health Department -

Stink Bugs

The brown marmorated stink bug is a new insect to eastern Pennsylvania, first collected in Allentown in 1998, but since recorded in 37 counties including Chester and nearly all of our surrounding areas. The stink bug is native of China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It has also been identified in the several states other than Pennsylvania, reaching as far west as California and as far south as Tennessee.

What do they look like?

Adult stink bugs are approximately one inch long and are shades of brown in color.  They have a "shield" shape and are almost as wide as they are long. The name "stink bug" refers to the odor emitted from their scent glands when they are disturbed, or when squashed.
Are they dangerous to humans? Stink bugs are not known to cause harm to humans, however, they are quickly becoming a nuisance pet both indoors and outside where they are attracted to the outside of houses on warm fall days, searching for a warm winter home. Stink bugs may reappear on warm winter days but mostly will remain in hiding until the following Spring. Stink bugs do not reproduce once inside a home or building, and do not cause damage to structures.

Are they dangerous to the environment?

In warmer months, stink bugs are drawn to plants, bushes and trees that bear berries or fruits. They have been found to feed on blackberry, sweet corn, field corn and soybeans as well as peaches and apples. Damage attributed to stink bugs has been reported in peach and apple orchards and certain types of garden plants.(Penn State University)

How do I get rid of them?

The best way to protect your home from stink bugs is to minimize entry points. Make sure cracks around windows, doors, siding and utility pipes are properly caulked. Keep doors and windows closed or properly screened. Even a well-sealed home may still experience stink bugs - as they can also get in through attic fans, chimneys and other entry sources. Some homeowners may use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the stink bugs. however, the vacuum may begin to absorb the pungent odor of the bugs after a period of time.

For information on pesticide elimination of stink bugs, contact a certified pest control operator.

For more info go to the source of this article - http://dsf.chesco.org/health/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=649267

Tips for Dealing with Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Tips for Dealing with Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - tips on preventing them entry into your home, control in the garden and more

Stink Bugs Invade Hunterdon New Jersey

Stink Bugs invade Hunterdon NJ - read story about stink bug information, how to combat and other useful information on how to keep stink bugs out of your hime

Stink Bugs Question and Answer with an Exterminator

Here is an interesting resource on stink bugs and how to combat them - read Stink Bugs: Q & A with Local Exterminator Clifford Akpan

Mid-Atlantic invaded by stink bugs

Nation & World Mid-Atlantic invaded by stink bugs Seattle Times Newspaper

Garden Experts Offer Stink Bug Solutions

Looking for help with your stink bug problems in your house? Read Garden Expert Offers Stink Bug Solutions

Keeping Stink Bugs Out of Your Home

Here is an article on dome good tips on how to keep stink bugs out of your house

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs September 16 2010

Here is a godd article on how to get rid of stink bugs