2010 it seems has been quite the year for annoying household pests!  Bed bugs are going crazy across the United States and now we have a relatively new pest that is raising its ugly antennae to make us all nuts…the Halyomorpha halys, otherwise known as the stink bug is proving to be a difficult insect to eradicate!

Stink bugs are causing trouble for New York and New Jersey residents, and we are not alone.  These stinky pests have now been found in 22 different states, and before long, they will likely be found throughout the US.  The brown marmorated stink bug was accidentally transported to the US via packing material to Pennsylvania from their homeland in the Orient.  They originate in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.  They were first discovered in the United States about 15 years ago and each year since, have enjoyed a population increase.

Unlike bed bugs, stink bugs are not blood suckers nor do they crawl into bed with humans.  Stink bugs do not sting like a bee or wasp, nor do they bite like a spider or tick. They are however a particular nuisance for NY and NJ residents at this time of year because they are consistently trying to work their way indoors so that they can spend their winter in the warm and cozy indoor temperatures.

Stink bugs live up to their name by the odorous fumes that they emit when threatened, frightened, annoyed, vacuumed, or squished.  Their smell has been compared to a skunk or rotting musty feet.  Once a stink bug releases its horrible stench, it’s not uncommon for a room to clear until the odor has dissipated.  Stink bugs are about 17 mm long are brown-ish/gray-ish in color.  They have a shield shaped body, with patches of coppery or bluish-metallic colored small rounded depressions.