It seems like I can’t open the doors outside when there isn’t a stinkbug on the window. It appears Salisbury-Rowan County is infested with an invasion of stink bugs. People are complaining about these insects congregating around and finding a way into their homes. The bug often congregates in masses or just a few at a time becoming a massive pest problem. Often, there will be literally hundreds of the bugs crawling on the eves of homes and around their windows. The stink bug is a brown, marmorated stink bug which derived from Asia, finding its way into Pennsylvania in the 1990s. It was first identified in Forsyth County in 2009 and now has rapidly spread throughout our region and in at least 70 counties throughout North Carolina.

These bugs are normally attracted to fruits, vegetables and soybeans during their active season. Later in the summer and into September and October, the adults seek a site to hibernate for the winter. Normally, by late October the insects have settled into their winter home, but due to our warm weather, they’re still hanging around. These insects can be a pure pain congregating on house facings and doorways and often find their way indoors. Preventive insecticidal sprays are not recommended; however, homeowners can spray to kill the insects with a household insecticide, around windows, door frames and soffits. Choose any common exterior insecticides labeled for application to outside of buildings.

Oh yes, stink bugs do stink. This insect produces a strong smell from a gland within the abdomen. The spray can be released inches from the insect. Some say it has the smell of a skunk.
Go to https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/brown-marmorated-stink-bug-in-north-carolina-3/ for more detailed information.

Darrell Blackwelder is the retired horticulture agent and director with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. Contact him at deblackw@ncsu.edu.