Here in Nebraska, along with all of the other invasive species, are the dreaded Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs. The first year these pests were detected in Nebraska was in 2010 and they have continued to increase in population ever since.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs are characterized by their needle like mouthparts, brown spotted color, smooth edged shoulders, white bands on their antennae and legs, and the margins of their abdomen that have alternating dark and light bands. These bugs are originally native to Asia, and have caused large problems here in the United States. These bugs are notoriously known for feeding on garden crops including tomatoes, apples, peaches, peppers, grapes, raspberries, and many other types of fruit. They damage the fruit when they poke their mouths into the plants surface injecting saliva into the fruit as they feed on the juices. This saliva damages the fruit as is shown on the apples below.
Not only do these invasive bugs ruin fruit crops, they also invade homes. The main issue that most Nebraska residents deal with when it comes to these bugs is home invasions in the fall. Stink Bugs, looking to survive the winter, will find spots in homes to hide in and they especially like small crevices. While these bugs do not breed in homes nor do they damage the structure of homes, they are very annoying and to give credit to their names, very smelly. If you are having Stink Bug problems, or if you want to fortify your home against them, we can help! To learn more, call our office at (402) 683-7809!. Let us take care of your Stink Bug problem or any other pest problem you may be dealing with right now!