When the stink beetle is mentioned, it is actually not a beetle but a bug. These insects belong to the order of the Beak Kerfes. They are harmless and have a special way of life because of their mouthparts.

In principle, stink bugs pose no danger to humans

Table of Contents

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  1. the essentials in brief
  2. fight stink bug
  3. home remedies
  4. Chemicals
  5. Prevent stink bugs
  6. danger potential
  7. species in Germany
  8. development
  9. lifestyle and behavior
  10. frequently asked Questions

    11. the essentials in brief

    • Stink bugs can be fought with many home remedies or self-made traps. Chemical agents should only be used in exceptional cases because of their health hazards.
    • Prevention is better than control as stink bugs are not poisonous or dangerous.
    • Of the native species of bugs, four representatives are found more frequently in gardens or apartments. In the garden, the marbled stink bug can cause damage.
    • The development is completed within a few weeks. Bugs can defend themselves against enemies and mainly suck plant juices.

    Repel and fight stink bugs

    Scattered stink bugs in the house can simply be collected

    If you want to get rid of stink bugs, you can usually use simple means. A few insects in the house probably got lost through open windows and doors. You can catch the bugs with a jar and release them in the garden. If the bug population in the apartment has spread so far that a plague has developed, measures to combat it can be useful.

    Build a trap

    Researchers at Virginia Tech College have analyzed how well bugs can be attracted and killed with a home-made trap. They filled a bowl with water and added a few squirts of dishwashing liquid. The trap was placed under a lamp. Their results show that the insects are strongly attracted to light. They fall into the shell and drown due to the low surface tension in the water. Such a trap catches up to 14 times more pests than a conventional insect trap from the trade.

    sticky traps

    Like many insects, stink bugs are attracted to the color yellow. Therefore, yellow glue boards are effective in preventing the insects from entering the home. Glue the strips to the window frame or door sill. Once the bugs come into contact with the surface, they stick and die. As an alternative, you can also use double-sided tape.

    DIY Glue Traps:

    1. Cut parchment paper into strips
    2. brush with syrup or honey
    3. let dry
    4. tape to entry ports

    home remedies

    There are a number of home remedies that you can use to easily kill bed bugs. Before you carry out the measures, you should think about the benefits. Many remedies are not particularly animal-friendly and cause unnecessary suffering to the insects. Since bedbugs do not cause any damage in the home, combating them is often not necessary.

    effect application
    chili sauce Capsaicin irritates insects and destroys their waxy layer Wet beetles with a fine spray
    hairspray paralyzes the insects spray directly on the insects
    alcohol-based window cleaners Destroys wax layer so that insects dry out wetting bugs
    white wine vinegar Animals drown without releasing odors Catch bugs and place in a jar filled with vinegar

    Make pepper spray

    If you have chili flakes, fresh chili peppers, or jalapeños around the house, you can use them as a base for an insecticide spray. Boil the flakes or finely chopped pods in water and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes.

    So that the capsaicin contained is optimally released into the water, you should then let the mixture steep for 24 hours. Strain the flakes and add a few drops of dish soap. Olive soap has proven itself because it is biodegradable and harmless to humans and plants.

    Mix spirit solution

    Mix some spirit with water and put the solution in a spray bottle. With this agent, you can spray the bugs directly, and also wet plants that are infested with related species of bugs. The alcohol attacks the sensitive wax layer that protects the insects from drying out. If the protective layer is destroyed, the bugs lose excessive water and dry out.

    Brew nicotine brew

    Cigarette butts in water are a deadly remedy for stink bugs

    Nicotine is a highly potent neurotoxin that can be used to kill bugs. Old cigarette butts can be used to make a pesticide. Put the leftovers in warm water and let the brew steep. Then sieve the coarse pieces out of the liquid and pour the nicotine sud into a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish soap. This ensures that the liquid sticks to the bug. Spray the insects with the solution.

    Chemicals

    Insecticides effectively kill stink bugs. Since they can negatively affect the health of humans and pets, they should be used with caution. It can become a problem if the insects die in inaccessible niches. The remains often attract insect pests. Chemical agents usually only help for a limited period of time. As soon as the effect has worn off and you open windows and doors for ventilation, the next bugs can penetrate.

    • wax remover: kills within minutes
    • deicer: freezes the bug in seconds
    • bleach: seems very aggressive
    • ammonia: strong odor repels insects

    Prevent stink bugs

    Anyone who wants to get rid of stink bugs must take preventive measures. To prevent insects from entering your house and apartment, you should check facades, windows and doors for leaks and seal them with silicone. If you ventilate in the evening, turn off the light. Bugs are attracted to light sources.

    drive away stink bugs

    Bedbugs love warmth and prefer to sit on the house walls of balconies and terraces facing south. To keep them out of your home, you can spray an intensely scented solution of water, vinegar, and dish soap on window sills and door frames. The smell of vinegar deters the insects, so they flee. You can also spray the troublemakers directly with the solution. This does not harm the bugs, but has a deterring effect.

    These are the fabrics bugs don't like:

    • ammonia
    • fresh juniper branches
    • clove or neem oil

    Make your own deterrent spray

    Garlic and mint are a good mix against stink bugs

    Bugs don't like the smell of intensely scented fabrics. You can exploit this property by spraying a deterrent on potential entry points. Fill an atomizer bottle with 500 milliliters of water and add either four teaspoons of ground garlic or ten drops of mint oil. The remedy is effective until the scent is gone. Essential oils evaporate quickly, so you need to apply the remedy more often.

    Are stink bugs poisonous or dangerous?

    If you find stink bugs in the apartment, there is no need to worry. The insects do not damage the building fabric and do not infest food. There are also no special precautions for pets. When the stink bugs become a nuisance, they cause feelings of disgust. However, they are not a sign of poor hygiene.

    Don't be afraid of stink bugs:

    • neither dangerous nor toxic to humans
    • not toxic to cats, but secretion may irritate eyes and mouth
    • non-toxic to dogs, may cause excessive salivation after accidental ingestion

    odor nuisance

    If the insects secrete their defense secretion in the event of impending danger or in stressful situations, this can lead to an odor nuisance. The secretion of the most common species is normally not toxic. Sensitive people should wash their hands thoroughly as the secretions can cause allergic reactions.

    digression

    Stink bug plague 2022

    This year was characterized by a long summer with particularly warm temperatures, so that bugs could reproduce ideally. Normally, the insects develop one generation per year. In 2022 there were two generations, twice as many animals. In many regions, people had to contend with these species:
    • Green stink bug
    • Marbled stink bug
    • Greyish-brown field bug or garden bug
    • Reddish-brown cone bug

    Heated indoor spaces and light sources are attractive to the bugs. Shortly before winter they looked for suitable quarters and entered buildings through open windows and doors or through open spaces on the facade. In some places, the stink bug has become a plague in the house. Heated conservatories or covered balconies are also ideal retreats.

    Can the stink bug cause a bite?

    Stink bugs can bite plants, but not humans

    Bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts. These consist of a tube with a narrow longitudinal groove on top. The sucking snout is equipped with bristles on both sides, which have sharp teeth at the tip. With the help of these mouthparts, bugs can dig tiny holes in plants, seeds and fruit in order to suck them out. Stink bugs, which include the stink bugs, are not dangerous to humans. They do not bite human skin.

    Stink bugs are completely harmless to humans and should not be killed carelessly.

    Bites by a soft bug

    Psallus varians does not belong to the stink bugs, but to the soft bug family and grows to a few millimeters in size. The species feeds on tree pollen and aphids. It inhabits mainly beeches and oaks. In 2016, an unusual observation occurred. The species appeared in large swarms and has often stung humans.

    The painful bite caused allergic reactions, which manifested themselves in inflammation and reddening of the skin. There is no explanation for this atypical behavior. Apparently, the insects were irritated by the capricious weather with heavy rain and muggy weather.

    species in Germany

    A species that occurs more frequently in Germany is often referred to as a stink bug. It belongs to the stink bug family, which is represented by around 70 species in Central Europe. In contrast, the stink beetle describes a related species that is not originally native to Germany.

    food plants harmful effect family
    Common stink bug Alders, lindens, nettles, thistles no significant damage stink bugs
    Marbled stink bug prefers rose plants Crop damage and fungal transmission stink bugs
    Gray garden bug deciduous trees, dead insects causes no damage stink bugs
    American pine bug conifers Yield reduction when obtaining conifer seeds edge bugs

    Common stink bug

    The green stink bug (Palomena prasina) is between twelve and 13.5 millimeters long and has a wide-oval body. It is characterized by a color change, which is determined by the respective season. From spring to autumn the insects are colored green and covered with fine dark dots.

    If the temperature drops in autumn, the green stink beetle changes its basic color from brown to reddish brown. Only after hibernation does the green color reappear. The nymphs have a green base tone and are patterned in black and white.

    Marbled stink bug

    This species is colloquially known as the stink beetle. Behind this name hides the marbled stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). With a body length of twelve to 17 millimeters, the bug is a relatively large species of bug. Like all stink bugs, this species also has a robust body shape that appears somewhat leaf-shaped. The body is ocher in color and has numerous black dots that sit close together.

    Colloquial terms:

    • brown stink bug: Insects are reminiscent of the green stink bug with brown coloring
    • chinese stink bug: Bug is originally from East China
    • asian stink bug: dreaded pest is widespread in Japan, Korea and Taiwan

    The bugs become active as soon as the thermometer rises above ten degrees Celsius. They suck plant sap and have not specialized in any plant species. Their diet includes about 300 different herbs and shrubs, from which leaves and fruits are sucked. The marbled stink bug can appear on virgin vines, rowan berries or ash trees and sucks on trumpet tree and buddleia.

    American pine bug

    The American cone bug only immigrated to Germany a few years ago

    This species of bug belongs to the fringe bug family and is native to western North America. The American cone bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) can grow up to two centimeters long and is unmistakable due to its striking flight noise. The species was first observed in Germany in 2006.

    It lives in coniferous forests and secretes an attractant that smells like pine trees. Since the bugs suck seeds from conifers, they are feared in tree nurseries. The species can be recognized by the reddish-brown to black upper side. A white zigzag band running across the elytra is characteristic.

    Other designations for the species:

    • american stink beetle or american stink bug
    • canadian stink bug or canadian peg bug
    • north american pine bug

    Gray garden bug

    This stink bug is also sometimes referred to as the gray field bug and has the scientific name Rhaphigaster nebulosa. It is between 14 and 16 millimeters long and is colored in a dirty gray with yellowish or brownish nuances. The elytra are occupied with uneven point pits. The gray garden bug has a typical black and yellow pattern on the edges of its abdomen.

    From egg to bug

    The development of bugs is a fascinating natural spectacle. Each species of bug is characterized by its own mating behavior. Stink bugs and edge bugs mate similarly to fire bugs. Males and females sit together with their abdomens touching. They usually produce one generation per year. Under particularly favorable conditions, several generations can develop. If winter comes too early, the nymphs can no longer finish their development.

    egg laying

    Females of many species of bugs have a well-developed ovipositor that allows them to burrow into soil or plant tissue and lay their eggs there. Species with an underdeveloped ovipositor bury their eggs in the substrate or stick them in small packages to plant parts.

    development

    The newly hatched nymphs have little in common with the adult stink bug

    After the nymphs hatch from the eggs, they usually molt five times. As the developmental stages progress, the juveniles become more and more similar to the adult bugs. They do not go through a pupal stage but a gradual change. Many species of bugs practice brood care and care for their offspring after hatching. A social coexistence of the nymphs is typical for stink bugs. They secrete pheromones that keep the insects together. In the event of danger, an alarm substance is produced that forces the group to break up.

    lifespan

    The diurnal green stink bug goes through a development period of three months from the egg to the young bug. The insects are capable of reproduction just one week after the last moult. Their mating season extends from May to June. Sexually mature animals can also appear between July and August. Adult bugs survive the winter in mild conditions, so the insects can expect a lifespan of twelve to 14 months.

    wintering

    The stink bugs native to Europe overwinter mainly as adult bugs. When temperatures drop in autumn, they look for suitable winter quarters with warm and sheltered conditions. Therefore, mass appearance of bedbugs in apartments and houses often occurs in urban areas. They crawl through cracks and crevices or come through open windows and doors.

    tips

    As the insects can fly, you should provide windows with fly screens. Spray a solution of water and garlic powder or mint oil at potential entry points to repel insects.

    lifestyle and behavior

    Bugs live in forests, bushes and herbaceous landscapes. Their food spectrum is wide and varied depending on the family and species.Insects know how to defend themselves in the event of danger or against predators, which causes dislike in humans.

    food

    The green stink bug is purely vegetarian

    Stink bugs have a polyphagous diet. They do not specialize in any food, but use different food sources. The green stink bug prefers deciduous trees such as linden and alder. It lives in bushes and inhabits nettles and thistles. The nymphs suck the sap from the green parts of the plant, while adult bugs suck ripening seeds and fruits. When the insect appears in gardens, it does not cause any relevant damage.

    This is how stink bugs feed:

    • robber: Stiretrus anchorago (English: anchor stink bug)
    • pests: grain bug (Aelia acuminata), cabbage bug (Eurydema oleracea)
    • plant juice sucker: Green stink bug (Palomena prasina)
    • insect decomposer: Gray garden bug (Rhaphigaster nebulosa)

    defense secretion

    Bedbugs have scent glands located on the underside of their chests. The nymphs already have these glands and can defend themselves against birds, small animals or other insects. The repellents, which cause some stink bugs to smell bad, can be injected in specific directions using the glands. Antibodies are produced when there is danger or in stressful situations.

    Many people perceive the scent of this secretion as unpleasant. Descriptions vary from an unpleasant and overpowering chemical bitter almond aroma to fruity smells. The secretion settles in clothing, on the skin or in carpet fibers, so that the affected areas give off a bad odor for a long time.

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    tips

    Do not catch stink bugs with your hands and be careful not to crush the bugs. It is gentler with a screw-top jar and a piece of paper.

    remove odor

    The foul-smelling secretion can sometimes exude its scent in the apartment for days. Thorough cleaning with soap and water is usually not enough, because the bug secretion consists of 18 different substances including some acids. To remove the smell, you should try proven home remedies:

    • Rub your hands with coffee grounds
    • Spread baking soda on light-colored clothing and carpets and soak with water
    • Treat dark textiles or skin with lemon juice

    frequently asked Questions

    Is the Green Stink Bug Poisonous to Humans?

    Although this species secretes a foul-smelling secretion, there is no cause for alarm. The liquid is non-toxic. It is used to ward off predators and is often sprayed in stressful situations. If you get the secretion in your eyes, you should rinse them thoroughly with clear water. Sensitive people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.

    What to do against stink bugs?

    The marbled stink bug is often referred to as the stink beetle. Considered a crop pest, larger populations should be eliminated. Outside, you can dust the bugs with diatomaceous earth. This dissolves the protective layer of the exoskeleton, causing the insects to dry out. A watery solution with a little washing-up liquid has a similar effect.

    Which beetle likes to eat tomatoes?

    The marbled stink bug is considered a dreaded crop pest in agriculture. The species originally comes from East Asia. It has since spread to southern Europe. As for the menu, the bedbug is not picky. She eats apples, corn or berries. Grapes, tomatoes, peppers or cucumbers are not spurned either. Occasionally, the marbled stink bug occurs on ornamental plants such as roses or lilacs.

    Are stink bugs useful?

    Some bugs are both useful and harmful. They suck the juices from leaves, seeds and fruits. This causes growth disorders and crippling. They can transmit viruses, fungi and bacteria to crops. However, there are also predatory bugs that are used as beneficial insects against spider mites, aphids or fleas. They do not harm plants because they feed exclusively on insects.

    Can stink bugs fly?

    There are some species of bugs that do not have wings. All stink bugs have well-developed wings. These are fully membranous and enable flying locomotion. In this way, insects can easily get into the apartment through open windows and doors.

    Are bugs edible?

    Beak bugs, to which bugs belong, account for about ten percent of the insects eaten worldwide. In Asia, various bugs have become an integral part of the menu. The giant water bug (Lethocerus patruelis) is used as a spice in Thailand and other Far Eastern countries. The insects are attracted and trapped at night with UV lights. They are then roasted and mashed to flavor various dishes. Due to the increasing demand and the loss of vital water points, the population numbers of this species continue to decline.

Category:

Animals in the garden