Stink Bugs: Back in the News

For a while, stink bugs seemed to disappear.  It was almost as if they took a vacation.  But they’re starting to crop up in the news again, as farmers report bug sightings as far away as Idaho and Oregon.  And some folks are predicting a fall season like 2010.

We know that stink bugs make their way out of homes in the spring to feed, mate, lay eggs and die.  The new generation grows up and continues munching on crops before they make their way indoors and take shelter from the cold.

Right now, the concern is for farmers and their crops. A bigger stink population means more damage to fruits and vegetables. Stink bugs insert their proboscis into the produce and suck the juices out, rendering it unsellable.  Oregon, home to many orchards, is one of the newest areas to be threatened by stink bugs.

Farmers rely on increased pesticide use to combat the bug, but stink bugs are quite resistant to conventional pest control protocols.  Because of crop shortages and expensive pesticides, prices go up, and you feel the pinch the next time you’re shopping for apples and peaches.

Do you think the predictions will come true and we’ll have a stinkpocalypse this year? Have you seen the price of produce go up in your area due to stink bug damage? Let us know in the comments!

Stinkin’ Up The News – Wednesday Edition

Here are a few news bits about the shield-shaped invaders, gathered from various news sources.

The warm weather is bringing out the critters:

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-03-27/news/31246312_1_stink-bugs-halyomorpha-insects

For another take on the weather, record heat means beaucoup bugs:

http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-03-27/news/31242915_1_brown-marmorated-stink-bug-halyomorpha-bean-and-soybean

Spring is really bugging New Yorkers:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/22/us/early-spring-brings-flowers-but-also-pollen-and-pests.html

Stink bugs are on the march to the Deep South:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/stink-bugs-migrating-to-the-deep-south/2012/03/15/gIQA2noTHS_story.html

And they’re rearing their ugly heads in Maryland:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2815925

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.

Stink Bugs and Billy Joel

What's the connection between stink bugs and Billy Joel? Watch our newest video to find out!