Stink Bugs – Pests to home owners and local farmers

Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys or the brown marmorated stink bug) – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The recent infestation of what is commonly known as “stink bugs” is becoming an annoyance among both home owners and local farmers. The annoying insects are formally known as Halyomorpha halys or the brown marmorated stink bug. The bug is a native to Asia and was introduced in the United States in the 1990s. Most people are concerned about ridding their homes of the creature. However, when speaking to Dr. Karr at Carson-Newman University, it was brought to attention that these bugs are also extremely damaging to the local crops. Susan Karr is the environmental science professor at the university with a PhD in biology with a special focus on environmental studies. The “stink bugs” enjoy warmer weather which explains why they are so numerous this season. To ward off the beetle-like insects, Dr. Karr recommends not using pesticides. She stated that those that survived the pesticide will breed and, over time, create an immune population of the pests. The best way to keep them away, she said, is to make sure areas are sealed as tight as possible and possibly turn the thermostat down a few degrees. When it comes to crops, if a pesticide is absolutely necessary, she recommends a natural pesticide and not to continuously use it so that the bugs don’t develop an immunity. Hopefully, with fall here and winter not far away, the cold will ward off the bugs. Until then, Susan Karr said to avoid crushing or vacuuming up the pests. This will release the undesirable odor that people are trying to avoid.