Have you ever notice a tiny little bug (in brown color) at your house, garden or farm? When you try to catch this bug, it emitted a foul stinking smell.
Well, you have just encountered a stink bug.
In this article, we will learn what are stink bugs and why do they stink.
As the name indicates, these bugs stink and they probably have one of the most appropriate names given to them - stink bugs.
When these insects felt threatened, they will release a foul-smelling liquid through a small gland that is located beneath their abdomen.
Their ability to emit foul stinking smell is their natural defense mechanism against predators.
Emitting the foul smelling liquid will also serve as warnings to other bugs of the same species.
The stinky-smell of these bugs will be gone after some time.
However, although you may not smell it, it will continue to attract these same species to the same place over the years.
If nothing is done to prevent these bugs from going into your home, they will return the next year and this goes on and on.
These stinky insects are from the hermiptera order and they are also known as shield bugs.
They are nicknamed shield bugs because they carry triangular shield-like-wings at their back.
Measuring about three-quarter inch and with triangular like shape, these bugs come in various color i.
e.
brown, grey and dark green.
Like an insect, they also have 6 legs, a pair of wings and antenna.
These bugs feed on fruits, plants and vegetable.
They have a tiny and sharp mouth part that is used to suck juices from these fruits and plants.
Once the fruits and vegetable are attacked by these bugs, their commercial value will drop as there will be discoloration mark left behind by these bugs.
The bugs' ability to reproduce quickly means they can be a pest to farmers.
These bugs have been known to destroy crops like tomato and apples and cause thousands of damages to the farmers.
They also cost the fresh produce to cost higher as lesser crops are being harvested.
These bugs are not harmful to humans and generally do not bite.
However, there have been some reported cases of humans being bitten by them.
Probably the most annoying factor about these bugs to humans is their stinky smell and the annoying flying sound they made when they flew around the house.
These bugs can exist basically anywhere in the house.
They love to hide in places that are dark and attic (where they can reproduce rapidly), behind curtains and drawers and even on toilet papers.
Be sure to seal and check you split air-conditioner to make sure that it will not become a nesting place for these bugs.
I don't want you to see swamps of stink bugs flying out from your air-conditioner when you turn it on in summer; the sight of it will freak you out.
Stink bugs are mostly found in the southern region of the United States.
However, a recent new species from Asia has been causing havoc in the Middle Atlantic States like Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
This new species were shipped accidentally through cargos to the United States of America and their first official recording was done in the 90s in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
However, the actual arrival of these bugs is predicted to be much earlier.
Since arriving in the United States of America, they have grown rapidly and caused havoc in the farming industry in Pennsylvania and later to other states i.
e.
New Jersey and Maryland.
Besides damaging the crops, these bugs have also been causing uneasiness among families that are infested with these bugs.
With the abovementioned information about stink bugs, I am sure you have learned something new and understand more about these insects.
A final reminder that when you handle these bugs, wear a pair of gloves to prevent your hands from getting stinky.