They’re Back: Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Are In Missouri

So I'm sure you've noticed that our weather has been up and down lately - even more so than a normal Missouri spring. But seeing as how it can be 80 one day and 35 another, it's disturbing some of the creatures of nature, too.  Namely... these things.

OH HECK TO THE NO. They're called Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs. Normally they're in a kind of hibernation around this time of year, but the crazy fluctuations in weather have woken them up early, and they're here to SKUNK IT UP. These things have actually been in our area since 2013, but I'm not a farmer, so I didn't know that. Turns out the little buggers have been a bit of a problem for corn and soybean farmers. And, turns out it's a problem in 43 states in the US and four Canadian provinces.

So they're bad for farmers, but really just a nuisance for the rest of us. Whatever you do, if you see one in your house, don't squish it! It'll staaaaaank and stain your carpet or surface. But it shouldn't hurt you. They don't bite or sting. If you think you might have some in your house, just put a dish of soapy water under a bright light and leave it out overnight. The bugs will be drawn to it, and they'll drown themselves with no stink.

But what if you're like me, and don't even want them anywhere NEAR you to begin with? You might follow some tips I saw from Rottler.com.

• Check all your screens for holes or tears. Stink bugs can slip through the smallest of holes--and windows and doors are a popular entry point.
• Check around your windows for gaps. Use tape or caulk to cover them.
• Examine your exterior walls and foundation, especially around fixtures, outlets, pipes, and air conditioning units. If you find any holes, fill them. Rotted wood is especially vulnerable to all insects. Patch those areas until you can have them properly repaired.
• Switch white exterior lighting for insect-resistant yellow lighting, and keep windows covered at night--if you can. Stink bugs are drawn to light.
• Cover vents and your chimney with window grade screens.
• Have your exterior walls treated by a professional. Professionals know how to mix pesticides, and have the equipment to reach rooflines and high windows. This will keep stink bugs from hanging out on your walls. If they aren't on your walls, they're not waiting to fly in when you open the door, and they aren't exploring your defenses for the gaps you missed.

So if you're like me, that's happening, like.... yesterday.

Buggingly yours,

Behka