Stink Bugs: What are They Good for?
The insects’ presence has spurred at least one part of the economy.
Stink bugs are an insect that I had yet to hear anyone defend, until I read Marten Edwards’ blog on Stink Bugs: Watchable Wilflife.
The North American debut of brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys) was first documented in Allentown, back in 1998. Since then, their popularity has spread to at least 36 states. Without causing any significant human illness, injury or hunger, they have stimulated a vibrant industry aimed at thwarting them. -Edwards writes
Edwards argues that the stink bug has spurred part of the economy as people try to remove the insects from their homes and gardens.
At the beginning of May, Safer Brand, a Lancaster County company, introduced a new product called the Stink Bug Magnet that they claim “offers an effective solution to removing a stink bug problem.” That's just the latest in plenty of products with similar intentions, and a quick online search turns up no reviews for this new product.
Edwards suggests tackling the stink bug issue head on with a dustpan and brush and better sealing your windows and doors.
Are you happy to watch the stink bug as another interesting part of the wildlife? Do you see the stink bug as an issue? Do you have tips to getting rid of stink bugs in your home or garden?
R. Rabin
4:04 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
I'm glad Safer's on it, as they generally make safe, organic products. Here's a video in which someone shows how to make a homemade trap from a plastic soda bottle, duct tape, and an LED light: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwUuHhWYvDA
The only problem with either of the above is that they attract stink bugs to the trap rather than repelling them, which is preferable. There are various recipes for repelling them online (nicotine water, pyrethrum-containing flowers, alcohol & water, etc.), and you can search for the one that works for you.
Mr. B
8:23 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
Came to post this Youtube link! I've been dying to try it. They have taken over my house!
Lewis
5:07 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
I capture them on my "Stik-A-Bug" stick. Lewis73@aol.com in Kennett Square,PA.
mimi
5:17 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
I cant kill these harmless bugs lol...true :/ they don't chomp on my clothes and wool like moths or bite like ticks and such., they don't bother me very much at all. I just pick them up w/tissue and throw them outside. Must be the hospice nurse in me! ??
Lucy Bennett
9:35 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
Have you tried to clean that dark liquid they leave behind off upholstry? I haven't had luck removing it yet.
Halley Green
9:30 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
The ONLY thing stink bugs are good for is to get a good laugh! Check out this short clip on stink bug yoga... http://youtu.be/2-iNDBlk0cs
bonnie330
11:37 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
Stink bugs are a BIG threat to the fruit growers, however, so if you enjoy eating apples, pears or peaches, you will have a different motivation to eradicate this unwelcome Chinese import.
http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/brown-marmorated-stink-bug
"This insect is becoming an important agricultural pest in Pennsylvania. In 2010, it produced severe losses in some apple and peach orchards. 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."
Bill Campbell
4:28 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
It's true that stink bugs are mostly harmless to humans and, in very small quantities, even a little entertaining.
Just don't tell that to someone who quite literally has hundreds of them in their home, as I once did. It is a nightmare!
By removing the existing ones from the home (via a bug vacuum, DO NOT squish them!) and properly sealing up all the little nooks and crannies where they get in, this can be managed.
It's a little tougher to get rid of the ones in your garden and on your property. Mineral clay will work as an effective barrier. Mixing some garlic water and spraying it on their favorite plants will help convince them that your neighbor's place really is where they would rather be, ha ha.
Take it from someone who spent months and months experimenting with ways to deal with these little tanks...
Bill Campbell,
Stink Bug Author
http://www.getridofstinkbugsnow.com
Pat Campbell
9:43 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
Mr. Campbell -- I think a local blog like this is not for advertising. Your book is $24.97...because your website costs "hundreds of dollars a month" which we all know is not true. Share as a neighbor or pay for an ad.
claudia raab
7:12 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
Two summers they obliterated my tomato plants and my nasturtiums and other vegetable plants. They are a hideous garden pest once they take hold it's impossible to get rid of them, destroy them on sight before they ruin your hard work!
linda spreeman
12:20 pm on Sunday, June 17, 2012
I never heard of "stink bugs" until my youngest daughter went to college in Bethlehem - interestingly near Allentown. All of a sudden they are everywhere. I try to deposit them out of the house and heed my daughter's warning about "killing" them and the unfortunate outcome of doing so! <Linda Spreeman, King of Prussia, PA>
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