Stink Bugs In Shady Side, MD: Where, Why And How Do They Stink?

Originally known as the Great Swamp, Shady Side has things to do and places to visit that will scratch your specific itch. If you’re into history and want to picture life as a waterman on the Chesapeake Bay 200 years ago, visit Captain Avery Museum. Do you enjoy exploring great hiking trails alone, with friends or Man’s best friend? Then you’ve probably frequented Franklin Point State Park more times than you could count.

Hmmm, a house and nature; these two things aren’t just top sights in Shady Side, they’re also top places you can find stink bugs! Whether you’ve come across a couple of them or have only heard the term used as an insult, gaining knowledge on these putrid pests is valuable. North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) Entomology Department took on the questions in the title of this blog and more regarding stink bugs. First, you may be wondering where these smelly insects can be found.

“As adults, stink bugs spend the winter in secluded places,” Bertone says. “In nature this is usually under bark or in other hidden places. But human homes are a great surrogate. So in the fall, you may find an abundance of these bugs entering your home to look for hibernation spots (you will also likely see them again in the spring when they leave). Read more at PCT Online…

So outdoors, you can find them under stones, bark, weeds and even underground cover. Indoors, they like to hide and stay warm in your attic, in crawlspaces, under floorboards, and even in your walls if they can get in.

Next, you may be wondering why the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) produces such a stench, prompting its name.

“BMSBs, and most stink bugs, don’t bite or sting to defend themselves,” Bertone says. “Instead, they produce foul odors as both adults and juveniles to discourage predators. Very few predators want to eat something that smells awful. And BMSBs put off a sharp, acrid odor.” (PCT Online)

That’s a great defense mechanism! Other insects and arachnids bite or sting when they’re frightened, which can leave unknowing “enemies” with painful and even poisonous results. At least with stink bugs you just have to deal with the smell that people say remind them of coriander, cilantro, or burnt tires.

Finally, how do stink bugs emit this pungent smell? I mean, you sort of understand how air fresheners and essential oils produce lovely smells indoors but how about these insects? Matt Bertone, an entomologist at NCSU who’s been answering these questions, explains this phenomenon:

“Stink bugs – including BMSBs – have special glands in their thorax that are filled with a chemical cocktail that produces a mix of odors,” Bertone says. “When threatened, a stink bug can release the chemicals onto a rough part of its exoskeleton called the evapatorium. The shape and texture of the evapatorium helps the chemical evaporate more easily, quickly spreading the foul scent into the air – and hopefully discouraging predators.” (PCT Online)

Talk about flatulence on demand! And “noxious” fumes that actually save lives instead of taking them.

Stink bugs are interesting creatures and while it’s good to know where, how and why they smell so bad, you DON’T want to have a real-life case in your home. That’s where the experts at Backyard Bug Patrol come in. We’re equipped and trained to get rid of stink bugs from your home safely and effectively. Give us a call!