Stinkbugs

Identification

These invasive bugs are shield shaped, mottled brown in color, and have a smooth rounded shoulder, alternating dark and light bands on their antennae and abdomen and iridescent green or gold pits on their undersides. Newly hatched nymphs have a yellow-red abdomen. The brown marmorated stink bug gives off an unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed.

Damage

The injury from their piercing-sucking mouthparts can cause significant damage to the fruits and juicy vegetables.

Prevention

Clear weeds and garden debris in the fall, where adults shelter, and seal gaps around doors, windows, and siding, since brown marmorated stink bugs overwinter in buildings. Trap crops such as sunflowers or sorghum at the edge of the garden can draw stink bugs away from fruits and vegetables.