The Scurrilous Stink Bug!

In the days of the Roman soldiers... they used shields to protect themselves from enemies. Their shields were used offensively, being heavy and dense enough to stun or wind an opponent. Sound familiar?  Yes, it fits the most despicable bug in the world.. What you ask? The "Scurrilous Stink Bug" or the brown marmorated Halyomorpha halys.

The dictionary defines "scurrilous" as:

—Synonyms 1. vituperative, insulting, offensive. 2.  vulgar.

And, in my opinion, this perfectly describes this insect. Why on earth were these insects created? I believe in all living creatures having a place in this world, and I have read about Noah's Ark however, with this bug, I'm scratching my head as to why it exists as it serves no relevant or useful purpose. It doesn't eat other insects, nor do other insects find them appetizing!

Can we rewind history back to 2001 when these insects made their way from Japan, Korea and China in to the United States?  I think perhaps our border patrol could have done a better job of preventing such a stampede, wouldn't you agree?

The term “Stink bug” was coined by the unpleasant odor they emit when protecting themselves against harm. When a stink bug is threatened or even killed, it will emit a foul odor that is distinct and hard to describe. Some say it is a sour, pungent smell while others compare it to a skunk. However you describe the smell, it's not pleasant and in fact it's simply gross!

Here I thought I was done seeing them after last summer, but, sadly I was wrong.. They are ALL over my house. They climb on my shades, they tuck themselves in my plants, they nest in our drawers, they zoom past you while you're walking, they're everywhere! How insulting and completely offensive. Not even a mosquito is this irritating!

Yes, I've read all about what they like to feed on such as:

Fruit crops
Corn & Soybean
Vegetable crops concentrating on green beans, asparagus and peppers
Various tree such as crabapple, maples, sweet gums, redbuds and American hollies.
Ornamental shrubs such as butterfly bush, serviceberry, pyracantha, viburnum, roses and honeysuckle

But, one would think that would be only during spring, summer and fall. OK, I have some of the plants listed above, but certainly they are dormant right now and not even an ant would find them appetizing, so why the increase in stink bugs in my house now?

OH! I know, it's because they fed all season long on these beautiful plants, then turned around, saw my lovely house and figured, "ah.. a nice place to spend the winter!" They probably alerted the "Stink Press", sent out an "All Stink Bulletin" and snuck in the house while we weren't looking!  Now, they're everywhere!

Of course there are no pesticides available to cure these relentless shielded pests because, they learned from the best! The Roman Soldiers!

How can you rid them? Well, it depends. Do you own a gas mask? Do you have no sense of smell? If you do, then fine, step on it, squish it or smash it. The choice is yours, but be prepared for the 'stink' that will follow.

If you aren't armed for the release of the pungent odor than I strongly suggest you scoop it up with a tissue, in a paper cup and dispose of it outside, or do like my sister-in-law does and flush it down the toilet. Don't just put it in water, cause they repel water too! Of course! Some even suggest to vacuum them up, but unless you have a bag less vacuum, that doesn't make sense because the bag will collect the odor and you'll perfume the house with the odor!

Have you ever seen a "Stink Bug" egg? I haven't, but from what I've read they are just as deplorable as the adult.. Look at them.. they look they fell off of some far away planet!

Maybe this will be the year that scientists will take a little money from the 'cloning' budget and throw it towards the "Stink Bug" project and finally get some type of devise that will repel these scurrilous insects! 

What do you think? Do you have a Stink Bug invasion?