Stink Bugs in Pennsylvania

by William Campbell,
Stink Bug Author

One of the pests that creating a great deal of worry for the agriculture community in Pennsylvania is the stink bug. A few of these insects are not a big deal, of course. However, in addition to increasing in numbers, the stink bug is also increasing its range.

The people most affected by the growth of stink bugs in Pennsylvania are the farmers who are raising crops. The more stink bugs that affect their crops, the lower their yield will be. Over time, this has a trickle down effect on the entire state. The more the crops are impacted by the stink bugs, the higher the price of the crop is going to increase in order to make up for the loss. This in turn affects the cost of the product when it is in the produce section of the grocery store.

So it is in everyone’s best interest to come up with ways to reduce the numbers of this persistent insect in the state.

For years, people thought the stinkbug was interested in just eating tomatoes. Recent studies indicate that this type of thinking is erroneous. Farmers all over Pennsylvania have discovered that the stinkbug is affecting several different crops.

Farmers who raise apples and peaches are especially affected. When the insects start to feed on the fruit, it becomes unmarketable. While the stink bugs usually prefer to eat the fruit, they can also cause damage to the trees. If the damage is extensive enough, the farmer might have to destroy the entire tree.

The best, most ecologically friendly way of dealing with this stink bug infestation is with the release of natural predators. The glands that give the stinkbug its name make it undesirable to most species of birds, but the Praying mantis, the European grackle, and some predatory wasps will feed off the stink bug and help reduce the numbers.

To learn about my personal experience in winning the battle against stink bugs in my home, please see:

Stink Bug Control - Downloadable Ebook