How Did Michigan Receive Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs, originally native to southeast Asia, have been a major pest for farmers in Michigan since 2010. They were first discovered in Allenstown, Pennsylvania in 1998 and have since been found in all Michigan counties but are well-established in the southern part of the state. The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a small parasitic wasp that has great potential to provide effective biological control of the insects that have invaded Michigan orchards, crops, and homes.

The BMSB has been shown to affect yields in fruit, nut, legume, and vegetable crops in the Eastern United States. In 2019, Michigan State University researchers started a rearing and release program of samurai wasps at Michigan State University. Since last fall, Michigan residents have reported brown marmorated stink bugs in their homes, and they are now well-established as a nuisance pest in homes in the southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Stink bugs were accidentally brought to North America from Asia in 1996 and have since been slowly spreading throughout the state. Due to their small size, stink bugs can get in through easy-access routes like roofs, foundation holes, gaps, crevices, and cracks. They give off an odor if they’re disturbed and have been known to cause damage to plants, trees, and other structures.

In 2019, Michigan State University researchers started a rearing and release program of samurai wasps at Michigan State University. As the brown marmorated stink bug continues to spread and establish itself in Michigan, it is crucial to address its impact on the environment and the health of its inhabitants.

How Do You Get Rid Of A Stink Bug At MSU?

To manage brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB), Michigan State University (MSU) recommends using a simple method of soapy water in a bucket for disposal. The soap prevents these insects from escaping, making it an effective non-toxic way to eliminate them. Stink bugs, while they can emit a foul odor when crushed, do not pose any harm to humans. Identifying stink bugs involves checking for gaps around window air conditioners and holes in window screens, which are common entry points into homes.

To further prevent infestations, it's advised to seal these gaps and consider spraying exterior walls—especially those facing south and west—during September and October. This can reduce their presence significantly.

For those facing severe infestations, contacting a pest control service is suggested. In addition to using soapy water, a practical DIY trap can be created by placing a lamp above a pan of soapy water; the light attracts stink bugs, causing them to fall in and drown. Other methods include vacuuming them up to avoid the mess of crushing, or spraying them off home surfaces with a strong water jet.

Despite their unpleasant smell, these little pests do not cause structural damage or reproduce indoors. MSU highlights the importance of proper bug identification, noting that Michigan has over 75 native species of stink bugs. The rice stink bug is also mentioned, as it inflicts damage to rice by injecting its mouthparts into the kernels. Overall, effective and safe strategies are available for both preventing and dealing with stink bugs inside homes.

What Happens If A Stink Bug Bites You?

Most stink bug species do not bite or sting humans; however, a few rare species can inflict a bite if provoked, though such bites are not poisonous. Generally, if bitten, the discomfort may resemble that of a mosquito bite, leading to mild reactions rather than severe harm. Although a stink bug might land on or crawl over your skin, they do not possess the ability to pierce human skin with their mouthparts.

Stink bugs are not known to transmit diseases or cause physical harm, making them more of a nuisance than a threat to people or pets. Most often, any adverse reaction results from allergenic compounds released by stink bugs rather than from a bite itself. They typically perceive humans as too large to be threats, preferring to release a foul odor when disturbed rather than attack.

The brown marmorated stink bug is particularly common among homeowners; despite concerns, it rarely bites or stings. The good news for those uneasy about encounters with these insects is that stink bugs are harmless to both humans and pets, and they do not carry infectious diseases. Unlike kissing bugs, which can bite and cause harm, stink bugs are equipped with sucking mouthparts and do not engage in biting behavior.

Therefore, there’s little reason for concern regarding their presence, as actual bites are uncommon, and any discomfort from a potential bite typically resolves quickly without significant complication.

When Did Stink Bugs Come To Michigan?

Stink bugs, specifically the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), are considered an invasive species in North America. They were accidentally introduced from Asia in 1996, with their first detection in Michigan occurring in 2010. Since then, they have spread to all counties in the state, predominantly establishing themselves in the southern region. Stink bugs emerge around mid-April to early May but can become active earlier in warmer-than-average winters.

These pests pose a significant threat to farmers as they damage fruit crops, which can render them unmarketable. Their feeding method involves using a needle-like mouthpart to suck sap from plants, resulting in visible damage to fruits, particularly peaches.

The brown marmorated stink bug is native to Southeast Asia, with its primary habitats being China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It has, however, been detected in 42 U. S. states, including Michigan, where they were reported in large numbers starting in the early 2010s. Overwintering in warm, sheltered areas such as buildings, these bugs can become a nuisance during the colder months, ultimately emerging in spring.

The first recorded sighting of the brown marmorated stink bug in Michigan was in Berrien County in 2010. Their presence has left a lasting impact on local agriculture, as farmers contend with the pests' dramatic effects on their crops. With an ability to produce an unpleasant odor when disturbed, stink bugs have become an unwelcome seasonal visitor for many residents, particularly during the fall months.

Do Stink Bugs Have A Purpose?

A few stink bug species serve as predators of other insects, benefiting agriculture by controlling destructive pests like caterpillars and beetles. However, these bugs can also become household nuisances, seeking warmth during late summer or fall. The brown marmorated stink bug, a generalist feeder, often appears on various plants while munching on over 100 species, including many crops. Although many stink bugs are deemed agricultural pests, some are considered beneficial due to their role in biological pest control, as described by expert Kuhar.

When threatened, stink bugs release a foul-smelling substance from glands, deterring predators and signaling danger to other stink bugs. This defensive odor is well-known and easily demonstrated. Predatory stink bugs share similarities with assassin bugs, equipped with a thick proboscis for killing prey.

Despite their predatory nature, stink bugs can contribute to attracting other native insects, as their feeding may wound plants, prompting them to leak sap, which attracts wasps and ants. Their exoskeletons serve protective functions against threats, while their chemical defense mechanism effectively repels predators.

Unfortunately, invasive stink bugs, primarily the brown marmorated variety, have become significant agricultural threats, leaving damage on crops and fruits. Emphasizing their role in the ecosystem, stink bugs, like all organisms, exist to reproduce and maintain their species, showcasing their complexity as both pests and predators. Understanding their dual role is essential in managing their impact on agriculture and household environments.

Are Stink Bugs A Problem In Michigan?

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, was first detected in Michigan in 2010 and has since become a significant pest for the state’s agriculture. This invasive species has spread to all Michigan counties, particularly establishing itself in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula. BMSB poses a substantial threat to Michigan farmers by potentially attacking prized apple, cherry, and peach crops, among others.

Beyond these, the stink bug affects yields in fruit, nut, legume, and vegetable crops across the Eastern United States, making it a concern for agricultural productivity and economic stability in the region.

The origin of BMSB in the United States is believed to be through accidental transportation via shipping containers from Asia. Since its arrival, the stink bug has caused severe agricultural damage and become a nuisance in at least 42 states, with Michigan being notably impacted. Farmers are particularly worried about the potential for large-scale infestations that could devastate crops essential to the state’s economy.

In addition to agricultural damage, BMSB has become a household nuisance. These stink bugs seek warmth and shelter in homes as temperatures drop, particularly in the spring and fall. While they do not cause structural damage, reproduce indoors, or bite people and pets, their presence is marked by a foul odor that can be highly annoying to residents. Managing indoor invasions involves preventive measures such as boarding up windows and locking doors to keep the bugs out.

Control strategies for BMSB focus on humane and effective methods rather than simply squashing the insects, which only results in the release of their unpleasant odor. Integrated pest management techniques, including monitoring, trapping, and utilizing natural predators, are recommended to manage their populations sustainably.

Overall, the brown marmorated stink bug remains a persistent and challenging invasive species in Michigan. Efforts to mitigate its impact require coordinated actions from farmers, homeowners, and agricultural authorities to protect both crops and living environments from this resilient pest.

Why Are There So Many Stink Bugs In Michigan Right Now?

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug thrives in Michigan's warm, humid summer weather, making this summer particularly favorable for breeding. To survive Michigan’s cold winters, these insects enter a hibernation-like state called "diapause," where their metabolism slows significantly. While they have spread across all Michigan counties, they are predominantly established in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula. Currently, the stink bugs, having finished their mating season, are searching for sheltered, warm spaces to wait out the winter, similar to ladybugs.

As conditions favorable for their survival (warmer summers and milder winters) shift northward, their presence is expected to increase in neighboring states like Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, as well as regions like California and Idaho.

Stink bugs begin to gather on building exteriors when daylight decreases to less than 12. 5 hours, typically around the third week of September. Michigan's predicted rainy spring could aid in increasing their numbers. These invasive pests, which first arrived in the U. S. in 1996 and were detected in Michigan in 2010, damage crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and are notorious for invading homes seeking shelter from the cold.

As colder temperatures arrive, their numbers may decrease temporarily, but they predominantly congregate in residences, marking the onset of "stink bug season." It's crucial for homeowners to learn how to identify and manage these nuisance invaders to prevent infestations as temperatures drop.

What Kills Stink Bugs Instantly?

To manage stink bugs effectively, several DIY strategies and preventive measures can be employed. One effective method involves creating a trap using soapy water. Stink bugs instinctively drop when threatened; by placing a wide-mouth jar filled with a mixture of soapy water (and optionally vinegar for added effectiveness) beneath them, they will often fall in and drown. Alternatively, a spray solution can be applied directly to the bugs by combining liquid dish soap with water in a spray bottle. For the trap, fill a jar with approximately half warm water and a bottom layer of dish soap.

To prevent stink bugs from infiltrating your home, it's essential to seal potential entry points. Inspect your house for cracks and gaps around windows and doors, and use caulk to fill them. If stink bugs are already present indoors, they can be vacuumed up with a regular or wet/dry vacuum, ensuring that only the hose attachment is used to avoid crushing them.

Additionally, commercial insecticides like Avesta CS, Bifen IT, and products with deltamethrin can effectively eliminate stink bugs. Home remedies may also prove useful, such as sprays made from mixtures of water, dish soap, vinegar, or pyrethrin-based insecticides that kill on contact. Diatomaceous earth can also be used as it damages the bug's exoskeleton.

In cases where you encounter a stink bug, gently transferring it outside is a humane option. Remember, stink bugs release a foul odor when threatened. Therefore, by employing these tips, you can both eliminate stink bugs and keep your home smelling fresh.

Why Shouldn'T You Squish Stink Bugs?

Squishing a stink bug is highly inadvisable; these insects release a foul-smelling pheromone when crushed, which attracts more stink bugs into your home, potentially leading to a full-blown infestation. The scent, described as reminiscent of skunk or rotten cilantro, can linger for days, making it a significant nuisance for homeowners. Stink bugs are harmless to humans but can be an eyesore and create an unpleasant odor.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) suggests preventing stink bugs from entering buildings by sealing gaps around windows, doors, and other potential entry points. Attempting to squash or swat them can exacerbate the issue, as their defense mechanism involves emitting a repugnant odor from glands in their abdomen when threatened. This odor serves as a warning signal to other stink bugs, further increasing their numbers.

Rather than resorting to squishing, it’s advisable to handle stink bugs delicately, possibly using traps or guiding them outside. Pesticides may be ineffective indoors but could work when applied strategically around the home's perimeter.

In summary, while the impulse to eliminate a stink bug on sight may be strong, it is best to avoid squishing them due to the unpleasant smell and the risk of attracting others. Keeping your living spaces free from this annoyance requires patience and preventive measures rather than immediate retribution.