What are Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are pests that feed on plants and vegetables. They also emit a foul odor when they feel threatened or mishandled. They can be found in many areas of the world, but it is more common in warmer climates such as Florida and California.
The name “stink bug” comes from the fact that these insects release an unpleasant smell when disturbed, sometimes with a loud popping sound. Glands produce this smell near their thoraxes releasing chemicals through small openings called spiracles. This means that if you accidentally squash one of them against your skin, you might get sprayed with its toxic fumes.
Unlike most other insects, the stink bug is large enough to see people working in their gardens or their homes. As a result of this visibility, it’s essential for anyone who encounters these pests to know how they work and get rid of them.
This blog post will outline everything you need to know about these pesky insects so you can keep them out of your life.
You can also visit our blog on top five bugs and pests in Nashville.
Characteristics of Stink Bugs
A stink bug is a pesky insect that infests homes and plants, and it’s easily recognized by its shield-shaped body and prominent antennae.
They are oval and dark brown to black and can grow up to 12 millimeters. They have six legs and antennae. Their mouth is located on the underside body, and they are using this for piercing plants and suck on juices.
The eggs are yellowish, oval-shaped, and about 1 millimeter long. They can hatch in less than a week, depending on the temperature. Their life expectancy is two to three weeks under optimum conditions. The Western conifer seed bug’s mating system is polygamous, with each female mating with multiple males.
Stink bugs are often confused with shield bugs since they share similar physical characteristics. However, the easiest way to tell them apart is by observing their behavior. Stink bugs (like all hemipterans) spend most of their time on twigs and leaves where they suck plant juices. In addition, their mouths tend to be short, so they stab their food to eat it. On the other hand, Shield bugs are often found in flowers where they feed on nectar or pollen.
Stink bugs are considered agricultural pests since they infest plants and damage harvests by their mouthparts. They can be very destructive, especially in areas where there is a large population of them. The smell they produce when they are crushed is an effective defense against predators. Another interesting fact about them is that their saliva contains toxin that can cause harmful reactions in humans. When threatened or killed, stink bugs can release this substance into the air through glands located on the sides of their thorax.
There are five different types of stink bugs that live in the United States: the southern green stink bug, eastern brown marmorated stink bug, Pacific Northwest tree-feeding stink bug, remote area fruit tree pest, and southwestern corn rootworm. One of the most challenging things for people to identify which type of insect is destroying their crops or invading homes because there are so many different types of them
What Attracts Stink Bugs in Your House
In winter, stink bugs are attracted to human houses when they emerge from their hiding places in the ground. They want to get inside for warmth and food and also want a place to lay their eggs. Stink bugs enter houses through cracks in window sills or around door thresholds. They also find their way in through vents and fresh-air intakes in the basement.
Two of the most common types of stink bugs that enter homes in North America are eastern or brown marmorated stink bugs and southern green stink bugs.
Maritamorata stink bug is a native species, while Green southern is native to Asia, but both were accidentally introduced into the United States.
Both stink bug types emit a distinctive odor from their abdomen when they are disturbed or irritated. The odor can be unpleasant when it is strong, but it smells like cilantro or green apple when it is faint.
Do not be alarmed if you find a few stink bugs in your home. It’s normal to have them around at this time of year. However, an infestation inside the house is more concerning and should be taken care of as soon as possible. One or two bugs can’t do much damage, but a bunch of them can damage and even destroy crops, like fruit trees and other ornamental plants. Your house will also get damaged because the stink bugs attempt to get inside, so you will have to use a lot of effort to stop them from entering.
Stink Bugs Prevention
Stinkbugs are a common pest that can do a lot of damage if they aren’t taken care of immediately. They will eat plants, seedlings, and other crops in your garden as well as lay eggs on the exterior of your home. They can also be a massive problem for those who have an infestation indoors as they tend to be a huge nuisance.
To effectively get rid of stinkbugs, first, determine precisely where they’re coming from and what’s attracting them. This way, you’ll be able to find the source of the problem and get rid of it once and for all.
It’s also essential that you use an eco-friendly solution when getting rid of stinkbugs. If not, then they will come back and plague your home again. One way to prevent this is by using a homemade concoction of water, vegetable oil, and a few other items. You can also use an electric vacuum to suck them up or buy traps that will kill the stinkbugs wherever they are when you set it down.
Stinkbugs are a stubborn pest, but there are ways to keep them from ever bothering you again. By making sure that your house is free of any food or water sources for them and carefully choosing the products you use when getting rid of them, it won’t be long before these pests are a thing of the past.
If you wish to take care of yourself, you can call pest control in Nashville. A licensed pest control professional will be able to remove these Stinkbugs and ensure that none of them sneak away.