STINK BUG (Halyomorpha halys)
First collected in Allentown in 1998, the Stink Bug, like many nuisance insects was accidentally introduced to eastern Pennsylvania from its native home in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. At home in Asia, the Stink Bug is reported to do damage to a variety of tree fruits such as Apples, Peaches and Citrus fruits. Here they appear to be nothing more than an unwelcome pest, invading our homes and showing up, uninvited, at late summer picnics.
Description:
Adult Stink Bugs are around 17mm long or just over ½ an inch. They have a distinct prehistoric looking shield shaped body that is typically shades of brown and gray. You’ll know you’ve found a Stink Bug when you squash one - the smell is immediately apparent!
Life Cycle:
In Pennsylvania, the Stink Bug appears to have a single generation per year. Adults emerge from overwintering during the beginning of June then mate and lay eggs from June through August. The eggs hatch into tiny black and red nymphs that molt during July and August. The adults then appear in the middle of August. We typically see them in great numbers by mid-September through mid-October when they swarm our homes looking for a warm place to spend the winter.
Management:
Since the Stink Bug is seen as only a nuisance that does not do much damage, there are few insecticides labeled for their control. An early fall spray around the perimeter of homes seems to help decrease the numbers getting into the house. Sealing the exterior of homes appears to be the best method of control. Replace or repair damaged screens on doors and windows. Seal with caulk any cracks around windows, doors, siding, chimneys and any other openings.
First collected in Allentown in 1998, the Stink Bug, like many nuisance insects was accidentally introduced to eastern Pennsylvania from its native home in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. At home in Asia, the Stink Bug is reported to do damage to a variety of tree fruits such as Apples, Peaches and Citrus fruits. Here they appear to be nothing more than an unwelcome pest, invading our homes and showing up, uninvited, at late summer picnics.
Description:
Adult Stink Bugs are around 17mm long or just over ½ an inch. They have a distinct prehistoric looking shield shaped body that is typically shades of brown and gray. You’ll know you’ve found a Stink Bug when you squash one - the smell is immediately apparent!
Life Cycle:
In Pennsylvania, the Stink Bug appears to have a single generation per year. Adults emerge from overwintering during the beginning of June then mate and lay eggs from June through August. The eggs hatch into tiny black and red nymphs that molt during July and August. The adults then appear in the middle of August. We typically see them in great numbers by mid-September through mid-October when they swarm our homes looking for a warm place to spend the winter.
Management:
Since the Stink Bug is seen as only a nuisance that does not do much damage, there are few insecticides labeled for their control. An early fall spray around the perimeter of homes seems to help decrease the numbers getting into the house. Sealing the exterior of homes appears to be the best method of control. Replace or repair damaged screens on doors and windows. Seal with caulk any cracks around windows, doors, siding, chimneys and any other openings.
