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Stink bugs!!
#1
mystreba
mystreba
If you live in the mid-Atlantic area, you know what I'm talking about. The slightest bit of warm weather and the little buggers start coming out of the woodwork, the siding, the soffits, etc. etc.
Around the house I find that if you "flick" them in the head real hard with your finger, it stuns them and then they die without releasing their odor. I've also been working hard to seal things up so they won't get in. It's an impossible task, I know, but I'm trying it anyway. We've had to start covering food with mesh covers as we cook because we had one crash-dive into a warm pot of mashed potatoes the other day. I keep a cup next to the water cooler - saves on the dirty dishes - but unfortunately I got a glass of water recently without looking and swallowed one of the buggers whole.
Anyway, it's going to get nasty outside this year. I can already see them coming out of the soffits and swarming on the siding. sigh....
Around the house I find that if you "flick" them in the head real hard with your finger, it stuns them and then they die without releasing their odor. I've also been working hard to seal things up so they won't get in. It's an impossible task, I know, but I'm trying it anyway. We've had to start covering food with mesh covers as we cook because we had one crash-dive into a warm pot of mashed potatoes the other day. I keep a cup next to the water cooler - saves on the dirty dishes - but unfortunately I got a glass of water recently without looking and swallowed one of the buggers whole.
Anyway, it's going to get nasty outside this year. I can already see them coming out of the soffits and swarming on the siding. sigh....
#2
Jetblast
Jetblast
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeell that's the last time I take any sips of water before performing a 12 point inspection. Anyone know where I can get an X-Ray machine for my food?
#3
173abn
173abn
yoo,that does not sound like a tasty recipe.I thought I had it bad with the lady bugs...russ
#4
RobertBrown
RobertBrown
I've consulted with the resident bug expert at my house and discovered that stink bugs and squash bugs are the same thing. She (resident bug expert) has constructed small towers (30"-40") of bright yellow color. These devices are said to attract stink bugs. She also indicated that these pest are easily and safely killed using a solution of ivory dish soap and water.
Now the real problem MUD WASPS These little Bast@@ds get in everywhere and make nests of mud in the most inconvienent places, like an exhaust port or air cleaner or carbuerater. They can be very destructive and difficult to clean up after. Un fortunetly I have a pond that keeps them supplied with mud. Does anybody know how to keep these things out of one's garage?
Now the real problem MUD WASPS These little Bast@@ds get in everywhere and make nests of mud in the most inconvienent places, like an exhaust port or air cleaner or carbuerater. They can be very destructive and difficult to clean up after. Un fortunetly I have a pond that keeps them supplied with mud. Does anybody know how to keep these things out of one's garage?
#5
mystreba
Correct, they are members of the same family, but the brown marmorated stink bug was recently introduced to the mid-atlantic from Asia and is overrunning us unchecked - it has no natural enemies, and no known method of control.
An Ivory/water solution does do the trick, but unfortunately the "solution" does not scale. There is in fact no scalable solution to the stink bug problem. You could keep bowls of ivory/water solution handy and drop the occasional captured bug into it. But we're talking THOUSANDS of bugs. You might find a hundred a day just in the house alone.
I know some people who keep a small shop vac handy, and fill it with an inch or two of this solution. The problem is that you can't just let it sit there - it stinks. You have to empty it out every day, clean and refill with solution. A total PITA, but it works nonetheless. It would work even better if there were a cordless shop-vac, because running to get the vac and then finding an outlet also doesn't scale.
There are legions of entymologists at the USDA and in academia working to find a chink in their armor. Until that happens, I'm afraid the only thing to do is learn to live with them at this point. Last night the kids came into my bedroom at 2am complaining that stink bugs were landing on their heads.
I have the mud wasps too, though not likely on the scale you do. And unfortunately I don't have a solution for them either. But I'll take a garage nuisance over bedroom/kitchen pests any day of the week.
mystreba
I've consulted with the resident bug expert at my house and discovered that stink bugs and squash bugs are the same thing. ... She also indicated that these pest are easily and safely killed using a solution of ivory dish soap and water.
Correct, they are members of the same family, but the brown marmorated stink bug was recently introduced to the mid-atlantic from Asia and is overrunning us unchecked - it has no natural enemies, and no known method of control.
An Ivory/water solution does do the trick, but unfortunately the "solution" does not scale. There is in fact no scalable solution to the stink bug problem. You could keep bowls of ivory/water solution handy and drop the occasional captured bug into it. But we're talking THOUSANDS of bugs. You might find a hundred a day just in the house alone.
I know some people who keep a small shop vac handy, and fill it with an inch or two of this solution. The problem is that you can't just let it sit there - it stinks. You have to empty it out every day, clean and refill with solution. A total PITA, but it works nonetheless. It would work even better if there were a cordless shop-vac, because running to get the vac and then finding an outlet also doesn't scale.
There are legions of entymologists at the USDA and in academia working to find a chink in their armor. Until that happens, I'm afraid the only thing to do is learn to live with them at this point. Last night the kids came into my bedroom at 2am complaining that stink bugs were landing on their heads.
I have the mud wasps too, though not likely on the scale you do. And unfortunately I don't have a solution for them either. But I'll take a garage nuisance over bedroom/kitchen pests any day of the week.
#6
BKBrown
BKBrown
Check out the Dust Deputy by Oneida - it goes between the inlet hose and the shop vac and uses cyclone to capture dust and debris before it gets into your vacuum - a solution of the soapy water in there would allow easy dumping.
Just one suggestion.
Just one suggestion.
#7
mystreba
Yep, it looks as though it would do the trick. But it would also significantly hamper the portability of the operation, which makes it a non-starter.
mystreba
Check out the Dust Deputy by Oneida - it goes between the inlet hose and the shop vac and uses cyclone to capture dust and debris before it gets into your vacuum - a solution of the soapy water in there would allow easy dumping.
Just one suggestion.
Yep, it looks as though it would do the trick. But it would also significantly hamper the portability of the operation, which makes it a non-starter.
#8
BKBrown
BKBrown
OK -- Just a suggestion.
The Dyson portable would be good too, but EXPENSIVE !
http://www.get-rid-of-pests.com/how-to-get-rid-of-stink-bugs/
The Dyson portable would be good too, but EXPENSIVE !
http://www.get-rid-of-pests.com/how-to-get-rid-of-stink-bugs/
#9
mystreba
Funny link - I love it when they run foreign-language content through auto-translation software and then post the result:
"The reason, certainly, is that there's a good option you already contain stink bugs indoor your fortifications."
But the page did have an interesting link to a bug vacuum that may be worth trying. The built-in "zapper" might kill them before they can release their "stink". The issue with most vacs is that they make the bugs release their stink. In the case of the home carpet vac, the brushes kill them in a rough way that releases the stink. In the case of the shop vac, there is no roughing up but the bugs feel threatened and release their stink.
mystreba
OK -- Just a suggestion.
The Dyson portable would be good too, but EXPENSIVE !
How To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs
Funny link - I love it when they run foreign-language content through auto-translation software and then post the result:
"The reason, certainly, is that there's a good option you already contain stink bugs indoor your fortifications."
But the page did have an interesting link to a bug vacuum that may be worth trying. The built-in "zapper" might kill them before they can release their "stink". The issue with most vacs is that they make the bugs release their stink. In the case of the home carpet vac, the brushes kill them in a rough way that releases the stink. In the case of the shop vac, there is no roughing up but the bugs feel threatened and release their stink.
#10
RobertBrown
RobertBrown
An Ivory/water solution does do the trick, but unfortunately the "solution" does not scale. QUOTE]
What does "scale" mean?
#11
BKBrown
BKBrown
I believe part of the problem in that link is that pictures cover some of the text. :thumbdown:
#12
mystreba
mystreba
An Ivory/water solution does do the trick, but unfortunately the "solution" does not scale. QUOTE]
What does "scale" mean?
The solution doesn't match the scale of the problem. It works great for a small infestation, but won't "scale" up to a larger infestation.
#13
RobertBrown
RobertBrown
Did some looking and decided your problem is particularly disconcerting. I decided to do a little research to see if I could help. It seems to me that if the situation is as bad as you describe you are going to have to to take a proactive aproach or learn to live with it.
I sincerely hope that this infestation is a seasonal event and will subside soon, however it seems the current information leads to the contrary
I'm thinking you probably already know this, however you wrote that it has "no natural enemies". This is not 100% true. There is a parasitic wasp that is useful in the control of this pest. I don't know how proficient you are at propagating Trissolcus halyomorpha Yang........
A new species of Trissolcus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), Trissolcus halyomorphae Yang, sp. nov., is described from China. It is a solitary parasitoid in eggs of Halyomorpha halys (St虱) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), an economic pest that causes severe damage to pear, apple and other fruit and that also feeds on the leaves and stems of ornamental and forest trees. The new species is the principal natural enemy of the stink bug, with parasitism rates up to 70% and an average annual rate of 50%. Because of its high parasitism rates and other biological features, it has good potential as a biocontrol agent of the pest.
This coupled with the proper application of an effective insecticide may get things under control.
I personnally would be reluctant to use a chemical control unless it was something relativley inert, such as soap. It may take some experimenting to find a way to broadcast a water soap solution so that it does not aspirate but incorporating the use of a low pressure high volume system may be effective.
In the mean time securing the perimeter is the priority. I would emply the whole family for this endeavor and start blocking the entrances. Every last little crack, crevice and hole must be plugged. Perhaps locating, marking and then using an expanding foam migh be one method. I'm sure your neighbors are experiencing the same as you and your family, so perhaps you could work together getting the house sealed and the problem migjht not seem so insurmountable when that is accomplished.
Another helpful link from a University near you.
http://www.virginiafruit.ento.vt.edu/BMSB.htm
I sincerely hope that this infestation is a seasonal event and will subside soon, however it seems the current information leads to the contrary
I'm thinking you probably already know this, however you wrote that it has "no natural enemies". This is not 100% true. There is a parasitic wasp that is useful in the control of this pest. I don't know how proficient you are at propagating Trissolcus halyomorpha Yang........
A new species of Trissolcus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), Trissolcus halyomorphae Yang, sp. nov., is described from China. It is a solitary parasitoid in eggs of Halyomorpha halys (St虱) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), an economic pest that causes severe damage to pear, apple and other fruit and that also feeds on the leaves and stems of ornamental and forest trees. The new species is the principal natural enemy of the stink bug, with parasitism rates up to 70% and an average annual rate of 50%. Because of its high parasitism rates and other biological features, it has good potential as a biocontrol agent of the pest.
This coupled with the proper application of an effective insecticide may get things under control.
I personnally would be reluctant to use a chemical control unless it was something relativley inert, such as soap. It may take some experimenting to find a way to broadcast a water soap solution so that it does not aspirate but incorporating the use of a low pressure high volume system may be effective.
In the mean time securing the perimeter is the priority. I would emply the whole family for this endeavor and start blocking the entrances. Every last little crack, crevice and hole must be plugged. Perhaps locating, marking and then using an expanding foam migh be one method. I'm sure your neighbors are experiencing the same as you and your family, so perhaps you could work together getting the house sealed and the problem migjht not seem so insurmountable when that is accomplished.
Another helpful link from a University near you.
http://www.virginiafruit.ento.vt.edu/BMSB.htm
#14
mystreba
Thanks for taking the time to research! Actually, I do know about the wasp, but it's an asian species (like the marmorated stink bug) and its impact has not yet beed studied. Even if I could get my hands on some, it's not likely the local authorities would appreciate me propagating them. I could be introducing even worse problems.
Sealing the house is not an easy undertaking, and not something I'm sure I'd want to do anyway. I've spent a great deal of time getting my house to the point where it can breathe (ventilated soffits, ridge vents, etc), and I don't want to undo all that work. I could go around and caulk the dozens of recessed lighting fixtures I've installed, but again I don't really want to do that - I like being able to pull a trim ring off when I have to change a bulb. But there are definitely areas where I can seal, and I'm working on that. I do notice in rooms where I've done such work the problem is less serious. But it takes time.
The problem is not seasonal. They are in the house year-round, but it reaches infestation levels in spring, summer and fall. Bottom line is the insect is here to stay until the pros figure out a way to control this pest. One of the problems is that the bugs fly and they don't nest. For most household pests you can create a barrier around the foundation. Not the case here. Also for most household pests you can use bait to entice the critters to take poison back to the nest and eradicate the colony. Not so with these loners. If you're going to use insecticide, you literally have to apply it to the insect. Again, a solution that doesn't scale - or, more to the point, would require unsafe levels of toxic materials around the house.
I do use an exterminator service year-round for ants and other pests, but they admit they have no solution for this problem. So, as you say, we just have to learn to live with it for now. I guarantee that the person who figures this out is going to be rich!
(proper credit for the attached photo - Steve Ruark for The New York Times)
mystreba
Did some looking and decided your problem is particularly disconcerting. I decided to do a little research to see if I could help. It seems to me that if the situation is as bad as you describe you are going to have to to take a proactive aproach or learn to live with it.
I sincerely hope that this infestation is a seasonal event and will subside soon, however it seems the current information leads to the contrary
I'm thinking you probably already know this, however you wrote that it has "no natural enemies". This is not 100% true. There is a parasitic wasp that is useful in the control of this pest. I don't know how proficient you are at propagating Trissolcus halyomorpha Yang........
A new species of Trissolcus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), Trissolcus halyomorphae Yang, sp. nov., is described from China. It is a solitary parasitoid in eggs of Halyomorpha halys (St虱) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), an economic pest that causes severe damage to pear, apple and other fruit and that also feeds on the leaves and stems of ornamental and forest trees. The new species is the principal natural enemy of the stink bug, with parasitism rates up to 70% and an average annual rate of 50%. Because of its high parasitism rates and other biological features, it has good potential as a biocontrol agent of the pest.
This coupled with the proper application of an effective insecticide may get things under control.
I personnally would be reluctant to use a chemical control unless it was something relativley inert, such as soap. It may take some experimenting to find a way to broadcast a water soap solution so that it does not aspirate but incorporating the use of a low pressure high volume system may be effective.
In the mean time securing the perimeter is the priority. I would emply the whole family for this endeavor and start blocking the entrances. Every last little crack, crevice and hole must be plugged. Perhaps locating, marking and then using an expanding foam migh be one method. I'm sure your neighbors are experiencing the same as you and your family, so perhaps you could work together getting the house sealed and the problem migjht not seem so insurmountable when that is accomplished.
Another helpful link from a University near you.
http://www.virginiafruit.ento.vt.edu/BMSB.htm
Thanks for taking the time to research! Actually, I do know about the wasp, but it's an asian species (like the marmorated stink bug) and its impact has not yet beed studied. Even if I could get my hands on some, it's not likely the local authorities would appreciate me propagating them. I could be introducing even worse problems.
Sealing the house is not an easy undertaking, and not something I'm sure I'd want to do anyway. I've spent a great deal of time getting my house to the point where it can breathe (ventilated soffits, ridge vents, etc), and I don't want to undo all that work. I could go around and caulk the dozens of recessed lighting fixtures I've installed, but again I don't really want to do that - I like being able to pull a trim ring off when I have to change a bulb. But there are definitely areas where I can seal, and I'm working on that. I do notice in rooms where I've done such work the problem is less serious. But it takes time.
The problem is not seasonal. They are in the house year-round, but it reaches infestation levels in spring, summer and fall. Bottom line is the insect is here to stay until the pros figure out a way to control this pest. One of the problems is that the bugs fly and they don't nest. For most household pests you can create a barrier around the foundation. Not the case here. Also for most household pests you can use bait to entice the critters to take poison back to the nest and eradicate the colony. Not so with these loners. If you're going to use insecticide, you literally have to apply it to the insect. Again, a solution that doesn't scale - or, more to the point, would require unsafe levels of toxic materials around the house.
I do use an exterminator service year-round for ants and other pests, but they admit they have no solution for this problem. So, as you say, we just have to learn to live with it for now. I guarantee that the person who figures this out is going to be rich!
(proper credit for the attached photo - Steve Ruark for The New York Times)
Attachments
#15
RobertBrown
So you have considered that the Asian Stink bug will become a billion dollar industry. Have you considered how easy it was to create this boom and the introduction of this pest and so many other insect and plant invasions may not be accidental.
That's what really Pi$$e$ me off. Do you have fire ants in Maryland yet? That's my home State by the way.
RobertBrown
I do use an exterminator service year-round for ants and other pests, but they admit they have no solution for this problem. So, as you say, we just have to learn to live with it for now. I guarantee that the person who figures this out is going to be rich!
(proper credit for the attached photo - Steve Ruark for The New York Times)
So you have considered that the Asian Stink bug will become a billion dollar industry. Have you considered how easy it was to create this boom and the introduction of this pest and so many other insect and plant invasions may not be accidental.
That's what really Pi$$e$ me off. Do you have fire ants in Maryland yet? That's my home State by the way.
#16
mystreba
Nothing would surprise me any more.
No fire ants - yet. The In-Laws have them in NC. Nasty little buggers.
mystreba
So you have considered that the Asian Stink bug will become a billion dollar industry. Have you considered how easy it was to create this boom and the introduction of this pest and so many other insect and plant invasions may not be accidental.
That's what really Pi$$e$ me off. Do you have fire ants in Maryland yet? That's my home State by the way.
Nothing would surprise me any more.
No fire ants - yet. The In-Laws have them in NC. Nasty little buggers.
#17
lawn mower fanatic
lawn mower fanatic
That picture in post #14 is absolutely disgusting! We have a small stink bug problem year-round because they get in under the window (the space where the window closes into) and get trapped. But no matter how hard you put the window down on them, they will still be alive and ready to come into the house the next time you open that window....that's why I never do! 
I hate stink bugs!!
I hate stink bugs!!