Little Stinker

Approximately ten years ago stowaways from Asia likely made their way into Allentown, PA. Now these little stinkers can be found hiding all over Warren County. Yes, my fellow Belvidereians, we have been invaded by Stink Bugs and it seems little can be done about it.  Trying desperately to escape the harshness of a cold winter the brown marmorated stink bugs want to quarter themselves in our living spaces.

So what’s a person to do?

After speaking recently with an owner of a commercial/industrial pest control business I found myself discouraged when he simply said,

“it’s not worth the effort to spray. Their hard shells offer effective enough protection to evade the toxic blast.  Yeah, you will get some, but many will still remain.  The only thing fully exterminated will be your hard earned paycheck.”

Stink Bomb

Okay, I know, what’s the big deal?  Sure they may come in last in a beauty contest, but at least the stink bug is harmless. Harmless that is, until you accidentally step on one.  When squished or threatened the gentle stink bug displays it’s expertise in chemical warfare.

According to researchers, as written in the New York Times, “the stink bug will secrete a chemical that smells like anything from skunk to cilantro, depending on who you ask.

Leave it to the New York Times to come up with a word like “cilantro“.  I am sure a few you have a more apt description, but we’ll leave that to our imaginations.  However, if any of you have a story to share or a solution to give, I am sure your neighbors here at our community gathering place would appreciate it.  Please share by simply writing your comments below.