Although the name “stink bugs” might seem a bit offputting, there is actually some pretty incredible information about this common NJ insect. For example, they’re not native to the United States. They’re more common in
Eastern Asia but came to the States by way of shipping containers.
Although you probably call them “stink bugs,” their full name is “brown marmorated stink bugs.” If you’ve ever smelled a stink bug, its scent might seem oddly familiar to you. That’s because it’s similar to coriander, a cooking spice you probably have in your spice rack. They emit this smell through their abdomen as part of an innate protection measure. Any time a stink bug feels threatened, it releases this smell to ward off predators.
But what other fun facts are these about
brown marmorated stink bugs? The list might just surprise you.
How Big Are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs?
When a stink bug is a full-grown adult, it might be as big as 2 cm. Interestingly enough, they’re roughly the same size long as they are across.
Female stink bugs are larger than male stink bugs, although they look nearly identical.
Do Stink Bugs Bite?
Stink bugs in New Jersey do not generally bite. They also don’t sting. As previously mentioned, they defend themselves with their pungent odor.
Some stink bugs may bite, such as stink bugs that eat plants. Be mindful of this when handling them. If they do bite you or your pet, they aren’t venomous.
What Do Stink Bugs Eat?
Stink bugs mainly enjoy a vegetarian diet. They gravitate towards green beans, apples, peaches, and other fruits and vegetables.
You may also see stink bugs munching on leaves, flowers, and soybeans. They will even eat other bugs, such as caterpillars.
It may surprise you to learn that stink bugs don’t actually have mouths.
They have “mouthparts” and use these parts to remove juice or sap from their meals. Since they don’t have mouths, their “bite” won’t do much harm. They can mainly use their mouthparts to pierce the leaves of plants and suck the juice from fruits and vegetables.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
Despite the fun facts attached to brown marmorated stink bugs in NJ, you might not want them hanging around your house or property. If this is the case, you can try DIY methods to keep them at bay, or you can
contact a professional pest removal service to inspect your property and look for entry points if you’re finding them inside your home.
The good news is you don’t have to worry about stink bugs all year long. As it gets cold out, stink bugs hibernate. Their hibernation is called diapause. During diapause, stink bugs don’t eat or reproduce.
However, you may have an infestation during the warmer months that requires professional attention. This is where Serene Property Services can help. We have the knowledge and experience to handle any pest infestation great or small.
Give us a call today to see how we can assist you. We proudly service all of Sussex County, NJ, and Warwick, NY.
