New Jersey pest control experts report that the brown marmorated stink bug population has already increased tremendously in 2011. These non-native stinky pests are believed to have first entered the United States by accident via a shipping container that arrived in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1998.
Since their arrival in the United States, stink bugs have created havoc as they have traveled with ease from state to state, destroying fruit and vegetable crops. Stink bugs like to munch on a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Peaches, apples, peppers, grapes, tomatoes, corn, cherries, and even soy beans are on the menu for the stink bug. Government reports state that damage from stink bugs has reached critical levels in the US. Stink bugs damage fruits and vegetables by sucking the juice out. Soon after the stink bug attack, there will be a yellow cloudy spot on the affected area of the fruit or vegetable.
Besides damaging fruits and vegetables by the tons, stink bugs are now a troublesome pest for homeowners in 33 states. During the fall months, stink bugs sought refuge indoors to escape the winter cold. They overwintered in attics, wall voids, behind baseboards, behind siding, behind insulation, and any other place that provided a warm and cozy winter snoozing location. Now that spring has arrived, stink bugs are hungry and ready to spread their wings so they can wreak havoc once again.
New Jersey pest control experts report that stink bugs have a wicked stench if you step on them or squish them in a tissue. Vacuuming them will provoke the buggers into releasing their pungent smell as well. Once they spray, it’s hard to not notice the stink bug scent as it has been said to smell like skunk or rotting feet!
Please check back on Friday for the conclusion.