The brown marmorated stinkbug (Halyomorpha halys) is a relatively common insect pest found throughout most of the United States and especially in the west and northeast. Previously known only as an agricultural pest, it has now begun to infest residential homes throughout the country. Here are just two things to know about this ubiquitous and problematic creature:
They Really Don’t Smell – The term “stinkbug” is a bit of a misnomer as the bugs are not really noisome to humans. Instead, the chemicals they release make them “smelly” to predators and thus less appetizing.
They’re Not a Native – A relative newcomer to the scene, the bug was only introduced by accident in the late 1990s when a few specimens were accidentally allowed to stowaway on shipping crates from the Far East. Apparently, the new environment was well-received by the first few stinkbugs as they were soon ubiquitous in the peaches,apples, and pears orchards of California as well as in their green beans and soybeans fields.
They Are Unusually Prolific – In its native environment in Asia, the stinkbug will usually produce four generations of offspring. While this may seem unusually high, the4 native predators are more than happy to feast on the stinkbug young and keep the population in check. In the U.S. however, there are no natural predators and the bugs can produce six or more generations in a season.
For more information on stinkbug control or any other pest issues in the Monmouth or Ocean County area, please contact us at Allison Pest Control. We can be found online at AllisonPest.com or reached directly at 800-564-4585.