Brown stink bugs are once again hunting for homes for the winter in the Show-Me State.
The agriculture pests are an indoor nuisance, but are otherwise harmless to pets and humans, according to Richard Houseman, University of Missouri
Extension entomologist, and Jaime Pinero, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension integrated pest management specialist.
They do not bite, sting, suck blood or spread disease, but they stink and want to hibernate in warm homes this winter. When spring comes, they will go outside to feed off agricultural crops.
To keep stink bugs and other insect pests such as the multicolored Asian lady beetle at bay, Houseman and Pinero suggest homeowners put screens over windows, doors and vents; caulk cracks in windows and door frames, and take special care when removing window air conditioner units.
Houseman added insecticide foggers will not kill stink bugs inside so the best way to remove them is with a vacuum cleaner, although that may leave an odor in the vacuum from bugs letting off smell when disturbed.
Virginia Tech researchers found bugs could be trapped by filling a foil roasting pan with water and a few drops of dish soap. Point a light into the pan and place the pan in an area where the bug is present. The light attracts bugs, which will fall into the soapy water and drown. (To watch a video demonstration, go to vimeo.com/92354801.)
Since 2013, the brown marmorated stink bug has spread throughout the state. Missouri is the 42nd state to report the bug. It appears most commonly in the eastern and southern parts of the state, especially urban St. Louis.
It is about 5/8-inch long and marbled brown. Its antennae have two white bands and its legs are marbled brown with faint white bands. The membranous parts of its forewings have dark bands at the tip. There is a banded abdominal edge to the side of its wings.
The bug damages fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops. It also harms soybean and corn.
Go to ipm.missouri.edu/pestMonitoring/bmsb for more information, or visit stopbmsb.org to report sightings.