Stink bugs are various shades of brown, on both the top and undersides, with gray, off-white, black, copper, and blueish markings. The stink glands are located on the underside of the thorax, between the first and second pair of legs, and on the dorsal surface of the abdomen. Their infamous ability to emit an odor through holes in the abdomen, is a defense mechanism meant to prevent it from being eaten by birds and lizards. However, simply handling the bug, injuring it, or attempting to move it, can trigger a release of a pungent odor; described as similar to cilantro.
Native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, the brown marmorated stink bug is considered to be an agricultural bug control problem, that can cause widespread damage to fruit and vegetable crops. In the United States, the brown marmorated stink bug begins feeding in late May or early June, on a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and other plants; including peaches, apples, green beans, soybeans, cherry, raspberries, and pears. Recently it has become a season-long pest in U.S. orchards.
The brown marmorated stink bug is more likely to create pest control problems for homeowners in the Fall, when they will begin to invade homes and buildings, seeking warmth and shelter for winter months. They will enter under siding, into soffits, around window and door frames, or any space which has openings big enough to fit through. Once inside the house, they will go into a state of hibernation, and are able to survive from several months; to a year.
Read more about the brown marmorated stink bug.
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