The average household has more than 100 different types of arthropods living inside, according to Creighton University Biology Professor Ted Burk, Ph.D., but residents in the Midwest are spotting a new pest inside this winter: the brown marmorated stink bug.
“We have a lot of native stink bugs and they all tend to seek a nice, warm place for the winter. We’ve typically found them on the sides of our house or under the eaves and occasionally inside,” said Burk. “What we’ve seen this year, more than we’ve ever seen before, is a new invasive species, the brown marmorated stink bug.”
Brown marmorated stink bugs, which have a marbled brown and white, five-sided exterior and originate from China, have been working their way across the United States since the early 1990s.
They take up residence in houses during the winter, gaining entry through cracks, crevices and fireplaces.
“We’ve got the Asian long-horned beetle, the emerald ash borer. We have the ladybugs that have been invading houses in the last few years. It’s really just a reflection of so much worldwide trade originating in China now that things are being spread all over the world,” said Burk. “This particular species of stink bug has not only gotten into the United States, but it’s also been spreading all throughout Europe and other parts of the world.”
The brown marmorated stink bug is not breeding or feeding inside houses over the winter but does produce a smell when disturbed. While they aren’t causing any major harm inside houses, Burk says this species is resistant to most chemical sprays.
To remove stink bugs: Collect the stink bugs using a vacuum and empty the bag outside.
Use a homemade trap of a tinfoil roaster pan or similar container. Place an inch of soapy water in the bottom and a desk lamp over the container. Stink bugs are attracted to water and warm spaces and the trap could lure and drown them.
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