Adult stink bugs are green or brown and grow up to ¾” long; they have distinctive shield-shaped bodies. Young stink bugs are smaller, rounder, and more colorful, with highly patterned black, red, white, and green colored bodies.
When held or squished they emit a foul-smelling fluid from glands located on the thorax. It’s released as a defensive mechanism and can be a nuisance, especially, if found in clusters. Populations peak in late summer and early fall.
Treatment Options:
- Hand-picking bugs and tossing them in soapy water is one of the best ways to ensure that they are removed. Stink bugs do not bite or sting, but they will live up to their name when handled or squished!
- Keep area weeded
- Have insect netting (floating row covers) in place to help prevent infestation.
- Placing yellow sticky traps out in your garden can help.There are also several beneficial predators that can help you in the garden with these pests too! Birds, spiders, wheel bugs, assassin bugs, parasitic insects, ladybugs, minute pirate bugs, and lacewings can help to keep your thrips away.
Plants to Watch:
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