Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Control

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug FAQs

What Purpose Do Stink Bugs Serve?

Brown marmorated stink bugs are probably so pesky because they lack many natural predators from Asia where they are indigenous to.

However, their eggs provide food for species of katydids, earwigs, jumping spiders, and other predators in the food chain.

Native species of stink bugs & shield bugs in the order Pentatomidae can be predators of insect pests, and may look like brown marmorated stink bugs.

Should I Worry About Stink Bugs?

You probably don’t have to worry about stink bugs. They do not bite or directly threaten your health. Brown marmorated stink bugs do not eat anything in your house. The biggest risk to you (if you’re not a farmer) is probably the creepiness of seeing them in large numbers, or the bad smell if you crush them.

How Do You Get Rid of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs?

To get rid of stink bugs inside, inspect your attic vents, eaves, dormers and gutter lines for any large gaps and get them sealed. Caulk any gaps around doors & windows greater than 1/4″. 

If you have a stink bug infestation outside, you can use a hose with a jet nozzle to knock them down, or a solution of a few drops of dish soap in a hand sprayer to remove them. Always watch out for bees and beneficial insects when spraying anything. And if you’re unsure about the best way to get rid of stink bugs, never hesistate to reach out to an eco-friendly pest control professional.

Do Stink Bugs Have a Predator?

Brown marmorated stink bugs do have a natural predator, the samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus).

And if you’re hoping there’s a plan to introduce these guys to help reduce brown marmorated stink bugs–you’ll be pleased. They’re already here!

First noted in Washington state in 2015, initial results are encouraging since samurai wasps are a co-evolved and highly-effective predator of brown marmorated stink bugs.

Do Stink Bugs Hate Peppermint?

Yes, stink bugs like most organisms with olfactory receptors are repelled by the strong chemical vapors of menthol & peppermint oil. 

You could use a few drops of peppermint oil in a hand sprayer as a DIY stink bug killer. But this works best as a contact spray, like soapy water, and will probably only repel stink bugs for a day or two at most.

Why Should You Not Smash Stink Bugs?

Don’t squish stink bugs! Or else you’ll be in for a stinky surprise. Brown marmorated stink bugs emit a foul odor when crushed, which protects them from predators, and is probably the bulk of the reason you’re searching online for help managing their massive numbers!

If you would like guidance managing a brown marmorated stink bug infestation from an eco friendly pest control professional, contact Pest & Pollinator today.

Pest & Pollinator LLC is committed to our mission of helping the Portland OR community solve pest problems while reducing pesticides and protecting biodiversity.