The stink bug comes in different colors - dark green, brown, blue, black, and even some in gray.
They all stink though.
Their triangular-shaped body appears to be a shield. Hence the nickname "shield bugs."
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The triangular-shaped body of the stink bug appears to be a shield.
This bug is beneficial because it feeds on other insects harmful to plants such as beetles and caterpillars. But they also eat leaves flowers fruit and crops so stink bugs are a mixed blessing.
They use a straw-like mouth to suck saps and juices from plant life. Highly destructive to Florida fruit trees, stink bugs have been known to move from one fruit tree to the next in one day ruining the fruit on each tree as they move.
They love citrus, tomatoes, apples, pears, peppers and grapes.
Stink bugs are not poisonous to human beings or to pets but they are still noxious. They emit a foul-smelling odor to deter predators. The odor also alerts other stink bugs to danger.
Even in death these bugs can make a stink. Their odor is highly offensive if they are crushed or fear predators. Yet these funky scent glands play a role in attracting mates.
Stink bugs breed in warm weather because they are cold blooded and need the heat to keep them alive.
Mature stink bugs can fly. Until they mature they climb from one plant to another. During the winter months they are mostly inactive.
They try to enter homes in the fall to hibernate in a protected place. They can enter homes through the smallest cracks and hide behind baseboards and inside dresser drawers. They are attracted to light so leaving a porch lights on will attract them. They will not damage to the home unless killed. Then they release their foul odor, which attracts more stink bugs to the area.
Stink bugs are naturally drawn by light, smell and taste. They love warmth and light. They have been known to show up in force at campfires like moths sometimes do.
Some say hairspray will kill stink bugs. One quick spray usually causes the bug to drop instantly. A 50/ 50 mixture of water and soap is also effective. There are also pesticides available made specifically to kill stink bugs.
