Brown shield-shaped stink bugs are a pest found in many different climates. They feed on fruits and vegetables or the leaves of plants. While they don’t pose a risk to humans, their odor can cause problems for those who live near them. In addition, the smell is often used as an identifier because it lingers on clothes and furniture for weeks at a time.
In this article, we will discuss brown shield-shaped stink bugs more in-depth with information about getting rid of them from your home, yard, and garden.
Brown Shield Shaped Stink Bugs Identification
Brown Shield Shaped Stink Bugs are one of the most common pests in North America. They can be found near moist surfaces, where they live and feed on plants, shrubs, and other organic materials. They are oval-shaped and have a shield-like shape on their back. They measure about 0.5 inches long. They have two antennae and what looks to be a nose piercing. They are mostly brown, but they can also be green or black.
The Brown Shield Shaped Stink Bug has a deep brown color that looks more black in the sunlight, but under cover of darkness, they have an orange shade on their exoskeleton. They also have a series of small bumps on their backside and are often mistaken for beetles.
These are a type of stink bug found in the United States. Brown Shield Shaped Stink Bugs are most commonly found in the eastern United States, but they can also be found in other parts of the country.
Furthermore, their life cycle begins in the spring when the adults emerge from their overwintering sites. They will mate and lay eggs on plants, where the eggs will hatch into nymphs. The nymphs will go through five molts before becoming adults and laying more eggs.
There is only one generation of the Brown Shield Shaped Stink Bug each year and it can take up to three weeks to develop from an egg. Therefore, they are often found in clusters, so they are referred to as cluster flies.
Are Brown Shield Shaped Stink Bugs Harmful?
The Brown Shield Shaped Stink Bugs are good at climbing and can be responsible for destroying crops. This is why they are also known as Squash Bugs.
Shaped stink bugs are mainly attracted towards seed pods of plants like legumes. However, they can be found on the plants’ growing tips, leaves, and flowers. This is where egg-laying takes place also. These bugs suck sap from these plants. It causes deformation in the leaves and also stunts the growth of plants.
Shaped stink bugs damage the fruits and vegetables by piercing them with their mouthparts to suck out juices.
Common places where these bugs are often found are cornfields, orchards, shrubs, gardens, and other places to find food. Unfortunately, shaped Stink Bugs are good at hiding themselves against green leaves, so it becomes difficult to spot them.
They’re not harmful and don’t bite, but they emit a terrible smell whenever threatened or squished. The smell is so bad that it can cause nausea, headaches, and other problems. Therefore, it is important to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
How to Get Rid of Brown Shield Shaped Stink Bugs
Brown shield-shaped stink bugs are a nuisance to homeowners and gardeners. These pests use their piercing mouthparts to feed on plant juices such as new blooms of roses, tomatoes, grapes, and beans. They’re also known for invading homes in the autumn months when they seek warmth.
Here are a few steps that you can take to get rid of these nuisance pests.
First, seal any cracks or openings around your home where the bugs could be entering. Also, be sure to check your window and door frames for any sign of damage, which can provide a potential entry spot. Make sure that tree branches don’t touch the side of your house or garage, as this provides another way in.
You can also install a temporary or permanent screen on your doors and windows. Try using nylon mesh, but make sure it’s smaller than one-fourth of an inch because stink bugs can fit through any larger openings.
Second, use a vacuum cleaner to suck them up and discard the bag afterward. This will prevent them from crawling out. You can also use a broom or fly swatter to kill them quickly. Once the bugs are gone, you’ll need to thoroughly clean and vacuum your floors or carpets.
For a home that’s already infested with stink bugs, consider buying new furniture like couches and recliners to replace old ones that may harbor pests.
You can also treat the exterior of your home with a pesticide that is registered for stink bugs. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions. Some homeowners have also had success using soapy water or petroleum jelly, but these methods are not as effective as pesticides.
Finally, contact a professional pest control service to treat your home and get rid of the Brown Shield Shaped Stink Bugs for good!