What Are Stink Bugs? A Complete Guide For USA

If you’ve ever seen a shield-shaped bug moving on your window or near your lights, it was probably a stink bug. So, what are stink bugs? Let’s look at stink bugs’ appearance, behaviour, advantages, the stink bug smell that they produce, and the factors that draw these pests to American homes.

What Are Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs are predominantly big, stinky insects belonging to the family Pentatomidae, which are call as the brown marmorated stink bug. Over 200 species, or types, of stink bugs can found in the U.S. Brown marmorated stink bugs are the most widespread of American homes, an invasive pest that originates in Asia. These are well know for the stench they release while disturbed, making this the main reason behind their name.

How Do Stink Bugs Look?

• Shape & Size: Adult stink bug have a characteristic shield-shaped body and are about 1.2 – 1.7 cm (0.5 – 0.67 in) long, just as wide.
• Color: Their color varies by species. The brown marmorated stink bug is of brownish colorations on a creamy white underside, while the green stink bug is brightly green.
• Markings: It is particularly important to search for alternating light and dark rings on the antennae and the edges of the species’ abdomen – brown marmorated, for example.
• Nymphs: Young stink bug (nymphs) begin either black or dark brown and can be mark with red or yellow, which changes as they age.
• Eggs: Sprayed in bunches on the bottom side of leaves, they are initially green but become white with age.

Habitat and Behaviour

The stink bugs can live anywhere because they are so flexible. They exist in the outdoors in gardens, fields, and orchards, and here they consume fruits, vegetables, and flower plants. As the days get colder, the stink bug begin seeking warmer and justified hiding places. That is why they typically pick houses to live in during autumn. Inside, they are primarily an irritation, nonbiting or stinging, and don’t cause any structural damage, but their presence and smell can make you uncomfortable.

What Are Stink Bugs Good For?

Although most of the population considers stink bug a plague, some stink bug species are beneficial in the environment. Feeding on caterpillars and beetles and whatever other insects may harm crops, these predatory stink bug serve as a sort of natural pest control. Stink bug are eaten in some societies because they have high nutritional value i.e., high protein, and high nutrient content. Still, the brown marmorated stink bug is usually the leading cause of crop damage and is also the main insect found in homes in the U.S.

The Infamous Stink Bug Smell

One of the principal features of stink bug and the one that makes them most recognisable is their smell. However, what does this smell smell like? When threatened or crushed, stink bugs discharge a stinking chemical from the glands on their thorax. Many people say that the stink bug smell is the same as sulphur, rotten meat, or some people even say it smells like cilantro. The smell works as a means of self-protection against the danger of other animals and also sends a message to their kindred bugs of peril.

What are Stink Bug Attracted House to?

To know what are stink bugs attracted to in your house, the following are the things that cause the invasion:

1. Warmth: Stink bugs are one of the biggest pests when it comes to warmth as they are more attracted to it in the case that the outdoor temperature begins to drop during the fall.
2. Light: They are very sensitive to daylight; this is why they are always flying around lights, porch lights, and bright indoor lighting.
3. Shelter: Openings in windows, doors, siding, and utility pipes are frequently enter by the stink bugs as they are seeking shelter.
4. Fruits and Vegetables: Exposing your fruits and vegetables to the open air can be an attractive site for the stink bugs as when they are looking for food they will come to you.

The thing to do to keep the number of stink bugs down is to close all the possible entries into the house, turn off lights that leak outside and secure food properly.

Conclusion

So, what are stink bugs? They are oval-shape bugs whose smell is quite nasty, with a habit of invading American homes, particularly during the colder months. Though some of the stink bugs are useful predators, the brown marmorated stink bug is a nuisance pest that can harm crops while invading homes. Their unique smelly-bug stench serves as a deterrent, and they inexplicably prefer warmth, light and shelter in your house. By learning what stinks up the bugs and what repels them, you’ll prevent them from coming in and enjoy your pest-free home.