How to Repel Stink Bugs

by William Campbell,
Stink Bug Expert

Tips for farmers who need to repel stink bugs:

Stink bugs are proving to be a major problem for the United States agricultural community. This is especially true in the Mid-Atlantic States, where a non-native species of brown stink bug is steadily ruining crops. Right now, most of the crops getting destroyed by the bug are fruit crops, but some farmers have noticed that the bugs are also starting to infest their corn fields. If the damage becomes extensive, the cost of meat is likely to go up as a result.

The problem that farmers face is how exactly to repel these stink bugs.

Repelling stink bugs in a garden is not terribly difficult; there are several home remedies that are surprisingly effective. The problem is that what works on a garden scale is not practical when dealing with a large field or orchard.

The best weapon that farmers possess is to try to encourage predatory birds to inhabit the area. Not all birds will eat the stink bug, as many are put off by the scent the bug produces when it is threatened. But some, like the European starling, really seem to enjoy the insect. By creating ideal nesting situations, the farmers can encourage the birds to move into the area.

Researchers at several universities have found that once the stink bug has invaded a farmer’s crops, the most effective way to get rid of them is with a parasitic wasp. This wasp actually infects the eggs of the stink bug, reducing the number of future generations. The problem with the wasp is that it is very susceptible to pesticides.

While farmers do not relish the idea, they might consider planting things like catnip and mint along the boundaries of the farm and in between the fields. The smell of both these herbs can act as a repellent to stink bugs.

To read more about how I got rid of stink bugs from my house, please check out:

Stink Bug Control Secrets Revealed eBook