Spot This Bug Here’s What to Do Before It’s Too Late
Experts are sounding the alarm about a tiny brown bug that can cause significant damage to gardens. While it might appear harmless, this insect is known for its destructive behaviour. Here’s what you need to know to protect your garden and home.
Watch Out for This Tiny Threat.
Insects can be hard to spot, especially in areas with dense vegetation or numerous flowers. The bug in question, though small and brown, blends in well with its surroundings. Despite its unassuming appearance, it’s crucial to remain vigilant.
A Shield-Shaped Intruder.
This brown bug, which can often be found in flower beds, grass, and even inside the house, has a body that resembles a mediaeval shield.
With six legs and a fully grown length of about 0.7 inches, it may be small, but its distinct shape makes it easier to identify once you know what to look for.
Small but Destructive.
Don’t let its size fool you. Despite being small, this bug can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. It’s capable of moving quickly, has wings, and can end up in unexpected places, including your home.
Being aware and taking action at the first sign of this pest can help prevent significant damage to your garden and property.
How the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Finds Its Way Indoors.
These insects should not be underestimated. When the brown marmorated stink bug senses the need, it will make its way into a home through any available entry point,
whether it’s walls, cracks, or even curtains. It’s crucial for homeowners to stay vigilant if they notice these brown bugs around their yards.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.
Being alert to insects in your yard is especially important when it comes to the Halyomorpha halys, commonly known as the brown marmorated stink bug.
With a name as unpleasant as its presence, this bug seeks to infest gardens and homes whenever possible.
Accidental Introduction to the USA
Originally from Asia—specifically Korea, China, and Japan—the brown marmorated stink bug was first discovered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1998.
Scientists believe it was inadvertently brought to the U.S. from its native region. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for this pest to become a significant problem in the Eastern United States.
Theories on Its Spread.
Max Barclay, head of the Coleoptera collection at the Natural History Museum, has insights into how this invasive species may have traveled.
He suggests that the bug initially reached the United Kingdom before making its way to the U.S. In 2014, Barclay predicted that the brown marmorated stink bug would eventually arrive in Britain, stating it was .
“only a matter of time.”
His prediction proved accurate when the first stink bug was spotted in the gardens of the Natural History Museum in 2020.
How They Arrive.
The brown marmorated stink bug’s spread is facilitated by global trade. Barclay notes that these bugs often hitch rides in shipping crates, pallets, and packaging materials.
They tend to move indoors to hibernate during the winter, making it easy for them to establish themselves in new locations and become a persistent problem.
The Impact of Warm Weather on Stink Bugs.
Stink bugs thrive in warm climates and struggle in colder regions. To survive the chilly months, they seek refuge in shipping crates, entering a dormant state known as “diapause.” However, once the winter is over, they become active again and can cause problems.
Climate Change and Stink Bug Expansion.
As global temperatures rise due to climate change, stink bugs are expanding their range. Research published in the International Journal of Biometeorology predicted that by the 2010s, these pests would reach Switzerland.
Stink Bugs in Switzerland,
The prediction has come true. Since 2017, Switzerland has seen increased crop damage and growing stink bug populations, which researchers attribute to rising temperatures. Dr. Tim Haye, an expert on stink bugs, discussed the implications of climate change on these insects.
Implications for Switzerland.
Dr. Haye, who works with the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, highlights that climate change is altering species distributions. He states, “There is strong evidence that climate change is modifying species distributions.
The number of non-native species is expected to rise, and climate change will aid their establishment. The north-western part of Switzerland could become highly suitable for H. halys.”
Higher Altitudes at Risk.
Dr. Haye also addressed the potential spread of stink bugs to higher altitudes in Switzerland. He noted that the pests could move southwards to the foothills of the Alps and that alpine valleys at
higher latitudes might become suitable under future climate conditions. Monitoring these areas for stink bug spread and population growth is crucial.
Stink Bug Infestations Can Escalate Quickly.
According to recent research, it’s only a matter of time before stink bug populations surge dramatically. Keeping a vigilant eye out for these shield-shaped pests around your yard and home is crucial. Infestations can easily reach into the thousands if not managed properly.
From Pennsylvania to North Carolina.
Stink bugs first appeared in the United States in 1998. They began their spread in Pennsylvania, moving through New Jersey and reaching Virginia by 2004. Their most recent expansion has been into North Carolina, though they are not limited to the eastern seaboard.
25 Years and 44 States Later.
In just 25 years, stink bugs have spread to 44 out of the 50 states. Their rapid expansion across the country is a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
Distinctive Odour.
The stink bug is named for the distinctive odour it emits. Some people describe the smell as similar to cilantro, while others liken it to almonds. If you catch a whiff of either of these scents in your garden where they shouldn’t be, it’s a clear sign that you may have a stink bug problem.
The Challenge of Managing Invasive Species: Stink Bugs.
Unfortunately, eradicating invasive species like the stink bug entirely is not feasible. The best approach is to manage and contain their spread. Barclay highlighted this issue in an interview with The Guardian, stating, “[The stink bugs] establish [themselves] pretty quickly.”
He added, “We’ve seen this with many invasive species. You start with one or two, and soon they are everywhere. For example, the harlequin ladybird from China arrived in the UK in 2006 and has since become extremely prevalent.”
Effective Strategies for Containing Stink Bugs.
Although completely eliminating stink bugs isn’t possible, there are effective methods to manage their presence and minimise their impact. Whether dealing with them in gardens, on crops, or inside homes, these strategies can help.
Eliminate Weeds and Debris.
The first step in dealing with stink bugs is to address their hiding spots. Weeds and other garden debris provide perfect camouflage for these pests.
Remove weeds and any unnecessary lawn ornaments to reduce their hiding places and make your garden less attractive to them.
Use Homemade Repellent.
If removing weeds doesn’t solve the problem, try a homemade repellent. Gardening Know How suggests a mixture of kaolin clay solution (mineral clay), 15 millilitres of dish soap, and a few gallons of water. Combine these ingredients, pour the solution into a spray bottle, and apply it to affected areas.
The Mixture’s Benefits.
This homemade repellent is effective against stink bugs. It prevents them from feeding on plants, deters them from laying eggs, and is safe for plants and crops.
However, always rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption to ensure they are clean.By following these steps, you can better manage stink bugs and reduce their impact on your environment.
Solution Three: Using a “Trap Plant”.
Stink bugs are drawn to yellow flowers like sunflowers, making them ideal candidates for a “trap plant.” This method doesn’t involve using a Venus flytrap, but rather utilising yellow blooms to attract these pests away from your garden.
Placement of the Trap Plant.
To effectively use a trap plant, position the yellow flowers in a different area of your yard, well away from your other plants and crops. This strategy ensures that stink bugs gather around the trap plant rather than your valuable garden.
Next Steps: Managing the Trap Plant.
Once the stink bugs start converging on the trap plant, you have a few options for dealing with them:
Natural Predation:
You can choose to let nature take its course by leaving the plant undisturbed. Birds and other wildlife will naturally help control the stink bug population.
Removal and Disposal:
Alternatively, wait until a significant number of stink bugs have gathered on the trap plant. Then, dig up the plant and place it in a plastic garbage bag. Seal the bag and leave it in the sun. The heat will effectively kill the bugs within a few days.
Understanding Stink Bug Impact.
Stink bugs are notorious for their destructive impact on fruits and vegetables. Their feeding habits can decimate crops, and they can even cause significant financial losses.
For example, in 2010, farmers experienced around $40 million in losses due to stink bug damage to apples. These pests not only spoil fruits but can also ruin wine supplies by tainting grapes with their unpleasant odour.
Protecting Your Home.
When it comes to preventing stink bugs from entering your home, sealing is crucial. Ensure that all openings are properly sealed with a reliable sealant. This will prevent stink bugs from finding their way indoors and potentially infesting your house.
When All Else Fails, Turn to a Vacuum Cleaner.
Sometimes, no matter how much sealant is applied, stink bugs find a way inside the house. If this happens, don’t panic. Simply grab a vacuum cleaner and suck up the pesky intruders. However, make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag promptly to avoid the lingering stench these bugs are notorious for.
Why It’s Crucial to Stay Vigilant.
Whether you’re weeding, using a homemade repellent, setting up trap flowers, sealing cracks, or vacuuming, one thing remains certain: no one wants to deal with invasive pests like stink bugs.
Keeping an eye out for these insects is vital, especially before they become an overwhelming infestation in your garden or home.
Catnip: An Unexpected but Effective Insect Repellent.
While cats adore catnip, bugs can’t stand it. A 2001 study from Iowa State University revealed that catnip oil is ten times more effective than DEET, a common ingredient in store-bought repellents, at repelling mosquitoes and roaches.
The catch? The catnip oil used in the research was highly concentrated, meaning you’d need either a significant amount of the plant or its essential oil for it to work effectively. Still, growing a catnip plant around your home can help keep pests at bay.
Banish Bugs with Baking Soda.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural insecticide. When insects consume it, the carbon dioxide released can kill them, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s especially useful against ants, slugs, beetles, and roaches.
For instance, if ants have taken over a mound outside, sprinkle two cups of baking soda over it, then pour vinegar over the area to complete the job. For roaches, place a coffee can partially filled with baking soda in areas they frequent.
How Borax Targets Insects?
If you’re dealing with ants, borax can be a lifesaver. Borax, also known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, is a compound found in deserts.
It acts as a poison when ingested by insects, and ants will carry it back to their colony, slowly wiping out the entire hive.
Borax is also effective against roaches, fleas, beetles, and silverfish. Simply sprinkle the powder in areas where bugs are a problem, or mix it with cornstarch to create a paste that repels pests effectively.
Why People Use Dryer Sheets on Their Skin?
There’s an old tip that says placing a dryer sheet in your pocket can help repel bugs, and it’s not just a myth. Some science supports the claim.
Research shows that dryer sheets can ward off gnats due to their chemical composition. Specifically, two ingredients—linalool and beta-citronellol—are known to be toxic to insects like mosquitoes.
While it’s unclear whether dryer sheets can completely prevent mosquito bites, rubbing one on your arms might keep gnats and mites at bay.
Coconut Oil as a Natural Insect Repellent?
According to a 2018 study published in Scientific Reports, coconut oil works as an effective insect repellent. Insects like ticks and mosquitoes are repelled by the fatty acids found in coconut oil. These acids, including lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid, are responsible for its bug-repellent properties.
Coconut oil is safe for both consumption and topical use, so applying it to your skin may help reduce the likelihood of bug bites. However, it’s worth noting that it’s a thick oil, so you may feel greasy for a while after applying it.
Instant Mashed Potatoes: A Safe Rat Bait.
If you’re looking for a non-toxic method to deal with rats, instant mashed potatoes—or potato flakes—might be a great option. The trick is to sprinkle the dry flakes around areas where you suspect rodent activity.
When the rats eat these flakes and then drink water, the flakes will expand in their stomachs, leading to internal bleeding that kills them quickly.
This method eliminates the need for messy, bloody traps and doesn’t leave a gruesome scene in your home.
Cornstarch: An Insect Fighter.
Cornstarch is another common household item that has been shown to repel insects. Researchers found that the powder worked well against termites and plant-eating bugs.
Gardeners often claim that sprinkling cornstarch around their plants can protect crops like tomatoes from worms and other pests.
Cornstarch’s texture and chemical makeup make it unappealing to insects, and it can even suffocate some pests.
You can buy commercial pesticides that include cornstarch, or simply use the powder as-is around your garden and home. It’s safe to rub on your body, though avoid using it on your face.
Mice Don’t Actually Like Cheese.
Contrary to what cartoons have led us to believe, mice aren’t fans of cheese. A study conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University revealed that mice prefer foods high in calories and sugar, like peanuts, fruit, and bread. Cheese, with its strong smell, is generally less appealing to them.
While cheese might not be the best bait for traps, it can be useful in areas where you want to deter mice from feeding.
Use Chalk to Block Ants’ Path.
In 2018, a viral Twitter video demonstrated how a simple chalk circle could repel ants. The reason isn’t that ants find something in the chalk unpleasant—it’s the texture of chalk that disrupts their trail.
As ants rely on scent trails to navigate, the chalk interferes with their sense of direction, causing them to wander aimlessly around the marked area.
If you’re dining outdoors and want a quick fix to ward off ants, draw a chalk circle around your food. While it won’t be a permanent solution,
it could give you enough time to enjoy your lemonade without the pesky invaders. It’s worth noting that while insecticidal chalk is available in China, it’s illegal in the U.S.
Ants Dislike Cucumber Peels.
Did you know that cucumber peels can repel ants? These insects particularly avoid the peels, which contain a compound called trans-2-nonenal—an ingredient found in commercial insecticide foams. Essentially, the peels are too bitter for ants to handle.
To keep ants at bay, peel a cucumber and place the skins near any entry points where the ants are coming in, such as around windows or door frames. You can also rub the peel on walls or floors in these areas to reinforce the barrier. This simple trick should keep ants from returning.
Create a Mosquito-Repelling Barrier with Wormwood.
Wormwood, a perennial herb with a silvery appearance, has a scent that mosquitoes despise. According to Planta Medica, the plant is toxic to most insect larvae, making it an effective natural insect repellent. By planting a wall of wormwood around your outdoor spaces, you may be able to create a mosquito-free zone.
However, be cautious when using wormwood. Only the common variety, Artemisia absinthium, is effective for this purpose.
Never rub wormwood directly on your skin, as it can cause irritation or rashes. While you can burn wormwood to ward off insects, it does have mild hallucinogenic properties, so it’s generally best to leave the plant intact.
Use Mouthwash to Wash Bugs Away.
It may sound surprising, but some people claim that mouthwash can be used as an effective insect repellent. Certain brands, like Listerine, contain eucalyptus oil, a known bug repellent.
Although mouthwash hasn’t been extensively tested for this purpose, it’s a popular DIY method.
To use mouthwash as an insect deterrent, dilute it first to avoid an overpowering minty smell. Mix three parts mouthwash with one part water in a spray bottle.
You can then spray it around the perimeter of outdoor areas or on furniture legs, and since it’s gentle, it won’t harm paint or finishes.
Citronella Isn’t Effective—Try Lemon Eucalyptus Instead.
Despite citronella oil being commonly promoted as an insect repellent, its effectiveness is limited. Citronella, derived from two types of grasses, can only repel insects for up to two hours at most. Moreover, many citronella candles contain less than 5% of the oil, rendering them largely ineffective.
For a more effective solution, consider using lemon eucalyptus oil. Eric Hoffer of Hoffer Pest suggests this as a better alternative. Lemon eucalyptus oil, extracted from the gum eucalyptus tree, can repel insects for several hours when used in a 30% concentration.
Lavender Oil: A Pleasant-Smelling Bug Repellent.
Lavender oil serves as both a fragrant and natural insect repellent. Its sweet scent comes from linalool, a compound that insects dislike, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Research even suggests that linalool can be as effective, if not more so, than some commercial insecticides.
Before using lavender oil on your skin, be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba. A good ratio is one drop of lavender oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.
For extra protection against mosquitoes, you can mix it with cinnamon or tea tree oil, according to Colorado State University.
Repel Spiders with Peppermint Oil.
Peppermint essential oil has long been a popular remedy for keeping spiders at bay. While the exact reason isn’t fully understood, some believe that since spiders sense taste with their legs, they tend to avoid strong-smelling oils like peppermint.
To make a peppermint oil spray, combine water, a splash of dish soap, and five drops of peppermint oil in a 16-ounce spray bottle.
Use this mixture to spray around windows, doors, and other entry points. Reapply once a week or as often as needed to keep spiders away.
Rubbing Alcohol as a DIY Insect Repellent.
Rubbing alcohol, well-known for its disinfecting properties, can also be used to deter insects. Though some blogs claim that rubbing alcohol can prevent bedbug infestations, it’s not the most practical solution, as it requires applying isopropyl alcohol directly to bedding.
However, you can use rubbing alcohol as a temporary insect repellent by spraying it in well-ventilated areas. While it’s not foolproof, studies suggest that it may work as a quick, short-term solution to keep bugs at bay.
Eucalyptus Oil: A Natural Mouse Repellent.
Eucalyptus oil is effective in repelling a variety of pests, including mites, honeybees, moths, and termites, according to The Scientific World Journal. Additionally, this essential oil can be used to repel mice.
To do this, soak cotton balls with eucalyptus oil and place them around your home. Alternatively, dilute the oil in a carrier like almond or jojoba oil, and spray the solution in areas where you’ve seen pests. Reapply daily to maintain effectiveness.
Cinnamon Oil: An Effective Mosquito Killer.
Cinnamon oil not only repels bugs but can also kill mosquito larvae. According to a Taiwanese study, cinnamon essential oil is also effective against mites, fungi, and termites. Its antibacterial properties make it a versatile solution for keeping pests away.
Lead study author Peter Shang-Tzen Chang suggests that cinnamon oil might also act as a repellent for adult mosquitoes. To use, mix two drops of cinnamon oil with a lotion or carrier oil before applying it to your skin for protection.
