Stink bugs are fairly common and as they are considered an invasive species, the brown marmorated stink bug is actually a recently foreign pest introduced to the U.S. from Eastern Asia in the mid-1990s. This pest is also known as the yellow-brown or East Asia stink bug. In the fall of 1996, the stink bug was first collected in the United States in Allentown, PA, however, it was not identified or recognized until September of 2001. This insect has quickly spread across the United States and has been found in 44 states thus far. The marmorated stink bug originates in Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan. Because of their tendency to release an odor when they are disturbed or crushed, the stink bug rightfully earned their name. Stink bugs have the other characteristics shared with different insects, such as some species of beetles, ants, and other bugs. Today, we at Stewart Termite & Pest Control would like to share some of the basic information of stink bugs.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Identification
The brown marmorated stink bug is a mottled grayish-brown insect that has six legs extending from its triangular or shield shaped body that average about ¾” in size. They do have antennae and are found all over the eastern half of the U.S. in addition to Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Others describe their bodies as large, oval-shaped insects as well. They are nearly as wide as they are long. Since their legs extend from the sides, they look larger yet. Being a dull brownish color, the marmorated stink bug does have darker bands on the wings and lighter bands on their antennae. These bugs are accomplished fliers, and when they land, the stink bugs fold their wings on top of their body. When these bugs are nymphs, their wings are not fully developed. But by adulthood, their wings help identify their stage.
Stink Bug Life Cycle
When they hatch from their eggs, these immature stink bugs are called nymphs. These nymph marmorated stink bugs are red and yellow. As they develop, the yellow will turn to white. During the nymph stage lifecycle, they have bright red eyes. There will be five times during their lifecycle where the nymphs molt or shed their skin. Every time the stink bug molts, they are getting larger. The nymphs, and by the last molt is nearly as big as an adult stink bug.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Control
When they are infesting, stink bugs typically invade in the fall in mass and at first homeowners will frequently often detect the stink bugs on a warm day. There is an obvious infestation when people find living or dead stink bugs. Where they can warm themselves, stink bugs will stick to the sunnier sides of homes. For people with gardens and farming communities, people will detect the stink bugs from the damage they do to their vegetation. In the event you suspect or know you have stink bugs, call in the professionals of Stewart Termite & Pest Control and let our technicians eliminate the infestation quickly and efficiently. We have effective products and our professionals are certified experts with experience. Contact us today!