Missouri Biologist explains stink bug prevelance
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Halyomorpha halys, also known as the stink bug, is an invasive insect that originated from Asia.
Since the start of fall, people may have noticed an increase in this bug outside and in their homes.
A Natural History Biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation explained why these bugs keep appearing in and out of homes.
"They're born in the spring. They mature through multiple nymph stages over the summer, and in the fall, the adults look for places to overwinter," said Lisa San Diego. "Which is why they end up in our houses. So they overwinter in the house, in which they don't eat, and they don't drink. They just kind of hibernate."
To prepare for the winter season, stink bugs target homes to have their hibernation-like state called diapause.
San Diego said it's better to take care of the bugs outside because of their smell.
"Get a small Tupperware container or a bag, put them in the bag, and either crush them outside. I know people like to use vacuums as well. You can also vacuum them up and then dispose of them," said San Diego.
Stink bugs like eating plants, so San Diego urges people who farm to not use insecticides on all their crops because of the stink bug's ability to be resistant to the repellent.
The insecticide may also kill the good insects, like bees, that help plants grow. Instead, San Diego suggests planting sunflowers or licorice plants to use to attract the stink bugs and then to use insecticide on those to help protect other plants.
