The stink bugs are coming! The stink bugs are coming! (Fairfax: house, gated)

[statecollege]

Remember all the posts last winter about stink bugs, the first year of the outbreak in NoVA? Well, they must be sensing cold weather is around the corner. With my windows open now for about 2 weeks with the beautiful weather, I've seen numerous of these on my screens, probably contemplating entry inside. The next level, of course, is to spot them in the home as they find cracks and other openings. I really hate these and wish they had an outside predator. Well, so far no bed bugs, which are a lot worse.

[SomeGuyInFairfax]

Are you talking about those gray, elongated-hexagonal bugs?

[normie]

Originally Posted by SomeGuyInFairfax

Are you talking about those gray, elongated-hexagonal bugs?

Those are the ones. They're actually a beneficial insect in your garden. The problem is they want to get inside your house when the weather turns cold. They don't bite or harm anything, but if you step on them they stink. So, the thing to do is catch them and set them free outside.

[arielmina]

Originally Posted by normie

Those are the ones. They're actually a beneficial insect in your garden. The problem is they want to get inside your house when the weather turns cold. They don't bite or harm anything, but if you step on them they stink. So, the thing to do is catch them and set them free outside.

How are they beneficial in the garden? They've actually destroyed crops this summer...my own little veggie garden as well as commercially.

[normie]

Originally Posted by arielmina

How are they beneficial in the garden? They've actually destroyed crops this summer...my own little veggie garden as well as commercially.

I'd heard they aren't the ones who eat the plants, they eat the bugs who do the damage. But, that's just something I heard so I could be wrong. When I get a moment later on I'll try to look it up.

[RusUs]

Yes, we have them, too, and a lot! It was not this bad last year, as I remember. But this year the stink bugs are all over our windows, screens, deck, they get into the house... I hate them! Why is this so bad this year?

[SomeGuyInFairfax]

I've been releasing them when I see them and I usually have a few on my Zinnias and water hyacinths.

Some of zinnias flower well, others are not so robust but I am not sure if I can blame the bugs since the planter is overstocked and they are probably not getting all the nutrients they need.

This late in the season I am not going to worry, but if they are actual pests then my catch & release policy might change to "drown in soapy water."

[arielmina]

hhhmmm ok well something is eating my tomatoes and since i see them all over them...I assume it's them! (and my basil too)

[normie]

Originally Posted by arielmina

hhhmmm ok well something is eating my tomatoes and since i see them all over them...I assume it's them! (and my basil too)

Well, you might be right. Time to ask Dave at Merrifield Garden Center, he always knows things like this.

[statecollege]

Originally Posted by SomeGuyInFairfax

Are you talking about those gray, elongated-hexagonal bugs?

No; they are brown and shaped like a shield. Here's a photo: http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-...0052100159.jpg

Google "stink bugs" and you'll get all the info you could want. BTW, they do feed on the garden.