Stink Bugs in Pittsburgh
by William Campbell,
Stink Bug Expert
It was not that long ago that Pittsburgh and the rest of the state of Pennsylvania did not have many concerns regarding the stink bug. The problems were not that different than the rest of the country. This was before the mid-nineties.
During the mid-nineties, a species known as the brown marmorated stink bug hitched a ride from China to Allentown, PA.
The stinkbug thrived in Allentown. In fact, it did so well that it quickly spread across the rest of the state, including to the large metro areas, such as Pittsburgh.
In general, the stink bug avoids the city. They eat vegetation and prefer to stay on farms, where there is plenty to eat. However, this is starting to change.
There are two ways that city residents are feeling the effects of the stink bug now. The first is in the amount of money they have to pay for locally grown fruits, particularly apples and peaches. The stink bugs are steadily destroying the farmers produce, which in turn means the price must go up. Residents must therefore dedicate a larger portion of their budget to produce or they are buying out of state.
Second, the downturn in the economy means that more city dwellers are starting to grow small gardens. This is luring the stinkbugs into the cities and, in fact, exterminators are noticing that they are getting more stink bug calls in the Pittsburgh area.
The best way for residents to make sure that they do not get these bugs in their home is by keeping the doors closed and screens on the windows. If they are growing their own produce, they need to carefully inspect the plants before bringing them indoors. Vigilance will pay off!
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