| By :
Stewart Wrighter
If someone were to say that there is definitely more to stink bugs than what their name implies; they are not far wrong because these pesky little bugs can create a lot of havoc to vegetable and fruit orchards and are hated by farmers one and all. An unfortunate name for any species to carry, this bug deserves its name because the fluid it emits when attacked is truly nauseous and smelly and tends to linger on for a while. It is not that easy to get rid of, either. The shield like plate on its back has also given him the name of shield bug and it is said that there are several species of these insects, most of which are considered pests while there are four species that are beneficial to farmers. Scientists are studying stink bug control methods as well as how to get rid of stink bugs. While most people are well aware of the noxious and crop damaging pests, many do not know that these bugs do have cousins that are considered more descent and useful. These bugs, instead of attacking and damaging vegetable crops and fruit trees, help the farmers by preying upon other insects such as beetles, caterpillars and slow-moving arthropods that harm vegetation. These useful insects go by such names as the Anchor bug, which eats the Mexican bean beetle, the Two Spotted bug that attacks the Colorado beetle larvae; the Arboreal bug who lives in tree trunks looking for ants and insects and the Spined Soldier bug that feeds on caterpillars. While only the above four species are known to be of benefit, almost all other species of these insects whose native country is somewhere in either China, Korea or Japan, have almost the identical looks with glands that are responsible for emitting the most foul-smelling substance imaginable. These pests can attack any type of fruit tree be it apple, peach, fig, cherry or citrus fruit trees by feeding on them and causing the fruits to wither and fall. They are also found on green beans and soybeans as well as ornamental plants and lay around 400 eggs in their lifetime. Not only do these insects spend their lives harming vegetation, they also invade homes and buildings seeking warmth with the advent of the fall season. Any tiny aperture is sufficient for them to enter and invade and most households in the Southern region of America have now begun to dread the invasion that arrive in droves and enter homes and gardens finding refuge in any place they can find warmth. They usually hibernate inside homes and other warm places until the end of winter when they leave the buildings; but only after leaving their lingering odor so that they can be guided back to the same place year after year. This odor, apart from being their most distinctive feature, is also a guiding light to others in their species to let them know that there is a good place to make their home for the next winter.
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