Why Stink Bugs Invade New River Valley Properties

Identify The Stink Bug

In the mid-’90s, stink bugs were first reported in epic numbers in Pennsylvania. Samples were collected and it was confirmed that this was the Asian BSMB. Today the bugs have been reported in 46 of our states and four Canadian provinces. In eleven of the states, stink bugs have reached a critical level and have been labeled a severe agricultural threat. In 2004 these bugs were discovered in Virginia. Our state is now one of the eleven that has reached the critical threat level. The term marmorated means having a marbled or streak appearance. Here is how you can identify a stink bug:

• They are related to bed bugs.

• They are a variegated spotty brown color/ marbled or streaked.

• Shield shaped.

• Small spikes or bumps along the upper back.

• Long antenna.

• ⅝ inch long.

• Stink when smashed.

• Black and white banding on legs.

There are a few other occasional invader pests that may be confused with a stink bug, but the above description should help you.

Overwintering

So if it’s a warm day in January, which is rare in New River Valley, and you see a few stink bugs roaming around on your porch. You can bet there is an entire population overwintering somewhere inside your house. They are not overly picky but do prefer dry spaces. Attics, crawl spaces, or inside the walls are all equally cozy for them to settle down for the winter. They can usually tough out the winter unless the temperature drops below 10°F. The one upside is that they do not mate during the winter, so you won’t have to worry about the population tripling. That is until spring.

Complete Nuisance

When it comes to the direct effect that stink bugs have on you in your home, there really isn’t one. Besides being a smelly nuisance, they do not bite humans or their pets. Of course, nobody likes to share their home with bugs. Them being in the house is all the reason most people need to contact All Pest Control & Solutions. When they do invade the sheer numbers are staggering. When you multiply all those stinky bugs, you have a very stinky house.

It wouldn’t be so bad if that was the extent of their annoyance, but alas it is not. Stink bugs are wreaking havoc on our food supply. They invade orchards and crops and destroy them in short order. They insert their mouthparts into the fruit while they eat. This makes the fruit begin to rot. Also since the skin was pierced nectar is now being released which attracts ants. They harm trees, shrubs, commercial nurseries, and residential landscaping. Because they can fly, moving from crop to crop is easy for them. The crops that seem to have the biggest impact from a stink bug invasion are:

• Soybean 

• Corn

• Wheat

• Tomato

• Peppers

• Beans

• Squash

• Pecan

• Peach

• Pear

• Apple

• Citrus

• Cherries

• Berries

• Grapes

If any of these are among your favorites, then you can take this invasion personally. These bugs are a serious threat.

How Do I Get Rid Of Them?

We all need to do our part in the battle. The best way to deal with stink bugs, especially those that have established themselves in your walls, is with professional assistance. We must eradicate these pests. They have no place in our ecosystem or the food chain on native insects. All Pest Control & Solutions has been working on the best ways to handle this situation. Because Virginia is one of the eleven states marked as being in severe agriculture danger, any time this pest is spotted you should call us. Please help our state eradicate this pest by calling for your free estimate today.