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Adult stink bugs are easy to recognize, with wide bodies shaped like shields. A long, triangular scutellum characterizes an insect in the family Pentatomidae. They have piercing, sucking mouthparts. Stink bug nymphs often resemble their adult counterparts, but may lack the distinctive shield shape. Nymphs tend to stay close to the egg mass when they first emerge, but soon venture out in search of food. Look for masses of eggs on the undersides of leaves.  They are referred to as stink bugs because they product a “stinky” odour when crushed or disturbed.

 

There are over 260 species in North America, most of which are harmless. common stink bugs in Canada, such as the green stink bug (Acrosternum hilare) and the brown stink bug (Euschistus servus), were introduced as recently as 2012. As an agricultural pest, stink bugs cause significant economic loss by spoiling food supplies. The stink bug is also a nuisance to homeowners as the adults aggregate on and in buildings while seeking warm overwintering sites.

 

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), or halyomorpha halys is an invasive species that is indigenous to Asia and was first identified in North America in Pennsylvania in 2001. It has since spread throughout most of the United States. It was first detected in British Columbia in 2015 and is present in urban areas of Fraser Valley and Vancouver, Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island and the Okanagan Valley, as of October 2017. High numbers are present in the downtown Kelowna area. It feeds on more than 100 different plant species including tree fruits, berries, grapes, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

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Where They Live

• In the summer stinkbugs live outdoors on trees and shrubs

• When it’s cool, these bugs will gather together in large numbers in sunny areas like home siding, concrete areas, porches, and tree trunks

• Inside they will hide under siding, in attics, garages, basements, and sheds

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What They Want From You

• For food, they feed on trees and shrubs in your yard (however, they rarely create noticeable damage to plants or trees)

• As the weather cools, they will come inside seeking warmth and shelter for the winter

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Why They’re A Problem

• Only occasionally, very large outbreaks may cause feeding damage to plants, fruit trees, and fruits

• Large indoor invasions can be a nuisance to homeowners

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Tips For Limiting Entry and Avoiding Future Problems

• Caulk any points where bugs can come inside, including entry points from outside or neighbouring units

• Vacuum regularly to remove insects in sensitive areas

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