Stink Bugs Growing Problem in Upstate

Stink Bugs are making their way into many homes in the Upstate as the weather begins to shift. Officially labeled as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, the pest first came to the United States from Asia in the 1990’s and made it to South Carolina in 2011.

Without its native predators here, this particular stink bug is tough to control and battling it can be pose an odiferous challenge.

“This one in particular is very stinky and that’s the way they protect themselves.,” said Eric Benson, Ph.D., Clemson University Professor and Extension Entomologist, “They produce a foul odor and secretion when they feel threatened. If you are a bird or lizard and you try to eat it, it would taste terrible. But if you’re a person and you swat it, it smells in your house. If you get it on your skin or in your eye it can cause irritation.”

The pest is becoming a bigger nuisance for farmers whose fruit crops, and a pain for homeowners because this is the time of year.

Benson says the best thing you can do is make sure your house is well-sealed because these bugs will look for gaps near windows or anywhere they can gain entry. Once inside he says you’ll want to remove them manually as opposed to smashing them to avoid the stench.