What do stink bugs eat and drink

A few species of stink bugs do not feed on plants. They are predators of insects that attack plants. These predatory stink bugs have been found feeding on velvet bean caterpillars, root weevils, Colorado potato beetles and southern green stink bugs.

Because of this, most gardeners consider the predatory stink bugs to be beneficial. Do Stink Bugs Bite? Do Stink Bugs Stink? How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs.

Stink Bug Traps. Stink Bugs and Cedar Spray. Stink Bugs and Citrus. Stink Bugs in the Garden. This pheromone is released when a stink bug finds a safe place to hibernate for the winter. The scent, which is undetectable to homeowners, acts as a signal to other stink bugs to join them in the winter hiding spot.

Fall is usually the time most homeowners notice larger numbers of stink bugs indoors. This is because stink bugs are not able to tolerate the cold weather of winter. As October rolls on, hordes of stink bugs make their way inside via windows, doors, chimneys and other cracks and crevices. Once they send out the invitation for other stink bugs to join them, you could ultimately have hundreds of stink bugs hibernating in your home through winter. When the cold weather sets in, stink bugs enter a hibernation state called diapause.

During this time, they do not reproduce, nor do they feed. They are actually incapable of reproducing until the spring brings warmer weather.

You may have noticed that some years stink bugs are all over your home, as well as the news, while other years not so much. The same goes for various locations around the country. Old coffee can also be used. Don't forget that the beneficial stink bugs and other non-vegetarian insects really are helpful and should be protected. They feed on and help control moths, caterpillars, harmful beetles, aphids and many other pests without hurting plants or people.

Our insect book, Texas Bug Book , could help you with identification and management techniques. I hope you become as interested in insects as I have. Online: dirtdoctor. The call-in number is Howard Garrett Special Contributor. Catch up on North Texas' vibrant arts and culture community, delivered every Monday.

By signing up you agree to our privacy policy. Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas. If you see a stink bug indoors vacuum them up and throw away the bag immediately. If you see a stink bug in your garden, lightly spray the area with approved insecticides. Keep weeds around the garden in control and clean up the garden at the end of the growing season. Hand pick stink bugs in early morning when they are slow moving.