Wolverine Pest Services

What is a Stink Bug??

What is a Stink Bug? | Call Wolverine Today at (517) 999-5008 for more information. Pest Control Services.

During the Fall season in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas some customers have noticed an increase in the presence of Stink Bugs in their homes. If you are experiencing this issue, our team is here to help address and remove these pesky pests from your property. Contact us today for professional Stink Bug removal services in Grand Rapids.

Stink Bug

What is a STINK BUG you ask?

A stink bug is a type of insect that has become increasingly prevalent in the United States since its first appearance in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1998. It is now found in over 33 states, with the Mid-Atlantic region being particularly affected. Stink bugs are known for their distinctive appearance and foul odor they emit when threatened, hence their name. If you find stink bugs in your home during the fall season in Grand Rapids, Michigan, don’t be alarmed – they are harmless pests that are easily controlled with proper pest management techniques.

BUG IDENTIFICATION | FEATURED | TIPS.

BUG IDENTIFICATION

Stink Bugs, also known as Brown Marmorated stink bugs, are originally from Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea. These bugs can grow to almost 3/4 of an inch in size when fully grown. They come in various colors such as brown, gray, or dark green, and have a shield-like shape with alternating light and dark bands on their antennae and abdomen.

Their stink glands are situated on the lower side of the thorax, between their first and second pair of legs. Normally, stink bugs only reproduce once a year, but favorable conditions during warm springs and summers can lead to multiple reproductive cycles. During warmer months, female stink bugs lay large clusters of eggs on the undersides of leaves and stems.

After hatching, the nymphs, which do not have wings, go through five immature stages before reaching adulthood and growing wings.

Stink Bugs, aka Brown Marmorated stink bugs, native to Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea, can be almost 3/4 of an inch in size as an adult. They can be brown, gray, or dark green and are shaped like a shield. They have alternating light bands on the antennae and dark bands on the thin outer edge of the abdomen.
Stink bugs have stink glands located on their thorax, between the first and second pair of legs. Typically reproducing once a year, they can multiply more frequently in warm spring and summer conditions. Females deposit eggs under leaves during warm months, leading to the hatching of wingless nymphs that mature into full-sized, winged adults through five stages.

Adult stink bugs are most active in spring to fall when they seek shelter indoors from the cold, often landing on curtains, lampshades, and furniture in our homes.

WHY DO THEY STINK????

The stink bug emits a strong odor when handled or threatened, serving as a defense mechanism against predators. Squishing a stink bug will release this unpleasant smell, so caution is advised. Additionally, be mindful when using a vacuum cleaner to remove them, as the odor can linger in the machine.

While stink bugs are mainly a nuisance for homeowners, they pose a significant threat to crops and plants in the agriculture industry. It is important to take measures to prevent their infestation to protect agricultural produce.

Stink bugs are known to target a variety of crops such as apples, peaches, figs, citrus fruits, and more. These pests use their mouth parts to feed on plant juices, causing significant damage to crops like tomatoes, corn, and green peppers. Farmers have reported complete losses of their crops due to stink bug infestations. Unfortunately, as an invasive species, stink bugs lack natural predators, leading to ongoing research efforts to find effective solutions for managing their impact on agriculture.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Stink bugs are notorious for attacking a wide range of crops including apples, peaches, figs, citrus fruits, and others. These pests pose a serious threat as they feed on plant juices using their mouth parts, resulting in extensive damage to crops like tomatoes, corn, and green peppers. Farmers have faced devastating losses in their produce due to infestations by stink bugs. Since these pests do not have natural enemies, continuous research is being conducted to develop efficient strategies to control their impact on agriculture.

Call Wolverine Today (517) 999-5008 for more information or to schedule an appointment for one of our exterminators to inspect your home.