Allentown and The Great Hitchhiker

When we talk about stink bugs, we often speak of them as an invasive species.  Outside, they decimate whatever agriculture they can nibble on, causing millions in crop damage and drawing the ire of farmers.  Inside, they make themselves a nuisance to homeowners with their haphazard, clumsy flight and noxious odor.  Yes, it’s easy to feel invaded.  But stink bugs may view themselves more like biological tourists – they must have really liked the song “Allentown” by Billy Joel, because they felt they needed to stow away aboard a cargo container from Asia in the late 1990’s and see this mystical Pennsylvania town for themselves.  Watch the stink bugs’ American adventure unfold in our newest video: The Great Hitchhiker.

All joking aside, stink bugs have spread quickly to 36 states in the last few years. They’ve taken a shine to the warmer climates, and are rapidly expanding throughout the southeastern United States.  It’s there that farmers grow tons of tasty snacks that are perfect for stink bugs – soybeans, for one.  Stink bugs will also be happy to take up residence in the Midwest’s Corn Belt, since corn is a choice morsel for stink bugs.

Our main concern is homeowners: people driven absolutely batty by the smelly, shield-shaped invaders.  Whether they’re flying into your hair, crawling on your toddler or dive-bombing you while you sleep, we want to help.  Feel free to email us or interact with us on Twitter.