The Stinkbug PhenomenonSeptember 7 | By Guest Writer Intern Madeline Mahon
Surely, you’ve seen them in your homes or on your porches. They are ever-present and seem to multiply nonstop. Maryland’s ideal temperatures explain why there are so many more than in our neighboring states. Why are they here? Since past spring seasons in the Mid-Atlantic have been warmer and fallen earlier than typical, these bugs are producing two additional generations than usual. This is leading to more generations laying more eggs, all of whom have longer life spans due to our weather conditions and a lack of major predators. Why don't they go away? In its native regions, several parasitoids – organisms that are similar to parasites and largely attack insects – keep stink bug populations in check. In the US, though, these bugs have become a major problem for our fruits, vegetables and plants, and parasitoid may be introduced here by 2013. You may see them in your houses in the winter. Why is that? We think stink bugs sneak into our homes via tiny holes and cracks in walls and foundations. The 6-legged nuisances should be hibernating, but our houses are sometimes so comfy that it isn’t cold enough for the bugs to sleep. Careful! And remember: When attempting to shoo these bugs away, be sure to do so with a gentle nudge. Though they will not harm humans, they will emit a “stink,” which smells like cilantro, if they are threatened. |
Rumors are flying about the brown marmorated stink bug almost as quickly as these bugs are multiplying. For several years now, stink bugs have been pestering many states, including Maryland, after being accidentally introduced to the US around 1998 from either China or Japan.
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