BC Government issue pest warning for Stink Bugs

You might have read recent news articles about a pest warning for stink bugs. Basically, B.C. residents are being warned about some stinky bugs landing on their properties. We hope to clarify a few things for you.

The real issue with this type of stink bug is the damage they can do to some of B.C.’s favourite crops.

The pest warning is mostly for farms and crops, and people living in Kelowna BC to be on the lookout. Yes these bugs exist in Metro Vancouver and the lower mainland and the island, but in small numbers.

There’s no need to report the bugs if you see them around Kelowna, Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley or Vancouver Island, but if you spot them elsewhere in B.C. they can be reported online.

**Please only report suspects from these regions if found on farms**

It’s also important you don’t mix it up with the regular stink bug. There is no need to report native look-alike bugs (see pictures on the below)

Here is the form you can use to report a Brown Marmorated stink bug

Don’t just squish ’em

First thing you should know is that you shouldn’t squish them. Unless you want a horrible smell.

Stink bugs have scent glands located on the back of the abdomen and the underside of the thorax. In the brown marmorated stink bug, these scent glands produce a cilantro-like smell when it is disturbed or killed.

History

The bugs are native to Asia though have been in North America since 2001. Feeding on 100 different plant species, this particular stink bug has been wreaking havoc on agricultural industries in the U.S. It was estimated that the bugs caused $37 million worth of damage to the mid-Atlantic States’ apple industry back in 2010.

Brown marmorated stink bugs were first detected in low numbers in B.C. in 2015, in urban areas the bug population was mostly contained to the Fraser Valley, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Okanagan with the largest number present in downtown Kelowna.

Now, as the problem grows, the B.C. government wants people to send pictures of sightings or even samples to the Ministry of Agriculture offices. There are three other species of stink bugs that may be confused for our new invasive friends but the brown marmorated can be identified by the orange markings on either side of its spine all the way down its back.

Stink Bug Identification

Identification

Adult: Shield-shaped, 13 – 17 mm long, brown marbled appearance, alternating brown and white markings on the outer edge of the abdomen; can be distinguished from other stink bugs by the presence of distinctive white bands on the last two antennal segments (see adult picture on right). Adults may be confused with other native brown stink bugs and western conifer seed bugs.

Comparison content courtesy of B.C. Ministry of Agriculture

Brown marmorated stink bug, fifth instar nymph

Native Look-Alike Bugs (NOT Brown Marmorated Stink Bug):

**Rough stink bug** has rough skin and spines on the shoulder

How to get rid of stink bugs?

You might be dealing with stink bugs problems at home, here are a few things your can try.

Step 1: Hot water, vinegar, dish soap combo
Combining hot water, white vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle will get the job done with very little fuss. First, pour 2 cups of hot water in the spray bottle. Then add 1 cup of vinegar, followed by 1/2 cup of dish soap.

Use the solution in a spray bottle and spray around window and door frames as well as corners of the house and where side it meets foundation (anywhere siding starts and stops). Mid to late summer is the best time apply. Product should be applied about once or week or anytime after precipitation.

Note: stucco and wood siding is easier to Calk and seal for stink bugs. Vinyl siding however offers more locations for the insects to enter. So be sure to focus treatment on corner joints.

Step 2: Manage Foliage
Foliage in close contact to a home or any structure will act as a transition from the outdoors to indoors. Keeping foliage trimmed back from the house and inspecting deck and patio plants is important. Soap formula can be applied to plants as well (see above).

Step 3: Inspect patio furniture
Another common place for them to reside is in closed patio umbrellas or cushioned patio furniture – essentially anything offering protection from the elements. When not in use in the fall, patio cushions and umbrellas should be brought inside or stored outdoors in a well sealed container or bin.

Step 4: Vacuuming
Vacuuming is a good shout and should get rid of a large number quickly. It’s important though to remove the vacuum bag once finished to prevent any buggers from sneaking out and back into the home.

Step 5: Homemade stink bug trap
Fill a small tray or pan with soapy water and place it under a desk lamp. At nighttime the insects will be attracted to the light, and might fall into the tray.

Step 6: Turn off the lights
Stink bugs are attracted to lights, so it’s recommended to keep outdoor lighting to a minimum in the evening times.

BC Government Resource

The stink bugs are attracted to fruit trees and experts are predicting that we may start to see larger numbers of them in our homes as they look for warm places to hide in winter. The B.C. government has put together a pamphlet on how to get rid of the bugs once they are in your house and recommends sealing off access points to prevent them from entering. They do not recommend the use of insecticides in the home as a method of control.

How do Westside treat for Stinkbugs?

Exterior.

Spray the entire foundation perimeter where it meets the siding, all window and door frames on the first level of the house, hydro meters, downspouts, below decks and stairs.
Children and pets should remain inside for a minimum of 30 minutes, unless otherwise specified by technician.

Interior:

Liquid spray is applied to interior baseboards in basement (and main floor if requested) as well as crawlspace.
All occupants needs to vacate for the duration of the treatment (please refer to Vacate Period section above).