Stink Bug: Friend or Foe

Tuesday, 28th June 2011

If you encounter a stink bug what you’ll usually see is an insect with two sets of wings and vaguely resembling the beetle. Most stinkbugs are dull in color, usually gray or brown, but some are such colors as black (often with red or orange markings), green, or blue. They generally range from 1/4 to 1/2 an inch in length.

You’ll be struck at just how unattractive the stink bug is. With their soft shell, ability to fly, and other characteristics the stink bug is more of a nuisance than anything else. They pose no threat to humans or much of anything else. The biggest issue with some stink bugs is their propensity to feast on some forms of agricultural products. In fact a few species are agricultural pests and can cause crop damage or failure.

A common question is: does the so-called stink bug really does stink? Yes! It is the secretion of a foul-smelling liquid that is its basic protection against most of its predators. The odor is one that can be detected by humans.

What few realize is that the stink bug is a new comer to the United States. A native of China the species was introduced to the North Eastern part of the United States in 1998. Remember, when you encounter this particular insect, the best advice is to control it by calling a reliable pest control company.

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