If their name isn’t enough of an indication, stink bugs don’t have the best reputation. These insects gather together, and when they’re found where they shouldn’t be, they need to be handled very carefully. Step on one, and you’ll understand where their name comes from. Here are a few fun facts you may not know about the notorious stink bug.
The strong odor emitted by stink bugs acts as a deterrent to predators.
Stink bugs are notorious for their smell, but that smell doesn’t happen by accident. It’s actually a way to deter its natural predators, from spiders and other insects to birds and mammals. If you think the smell of stink bugs is unpleasant, imagine how much worse it would be if you were the size of a spider.
Stink bugs primarily feed on plant sap, seeds, and fruits.
While this vegetarian diet makes the stink bug sound like a peaceful creature, it actually makes the insect quite dangerous. Due to their choice of diet, stink bugs can damage crops and plants, leading to economic losses for farmers. This is far more harmful than dealing with the nuisance of finding them in your home.
Some species of stink bugs are invasive.
The brown marmorated stink bug, which originated in Asia, has become a problem in North America and Europe. This stink bug in particular can be found destroying crops, as it feeds on more than 100 different types of plants. The damage this type of stink bug causes to agriculture makes it a full-blown pest, unlike most stink bugs which are only considered a nuisance.
Stink bugs can make a loud buzzing noise by vibrating their abdomens.
As if the smell of stink bugs wasn’t annoying enough, they also have the ability to make loud noises. This is thought to be a form of communication, which appears to be used for anything from mating to rivalry. They also make noise when flying around, and they often fly into things, making them hard to miss in more ways than one.
Stink bugs are attracted to light and tend to gather around windows.
The tendency of stink bugs to move toward the light often leads to them accidentally entering homes and becoming household pests. If you don’t want to let these insects into your home, your best bet is to seal up your windows and other potential entryways near light sources. Sealing up holes in the exterior can help you prevent most pest infestations.
Most homeowners can take care of stink bugs on their own by vacuuming them up and carefully disposing of the bag. However, if they become too much of a nuisance for you to handle, the Des Moines pest control team at Pro-Staff can help. Call us at 515-279-7378 or contact us online for a free estimate.
