The brown marmorated stink bug
 

Its 1:00AM and I'm trying to find a way to eliminate these annoying bastards. Supposedly they have invaded Pennsylvania and many people are dealing with them for the first time since last year. From what I've read, there really isn't anything you can do other than make sure the house is sealed well and make sure you don't squish them - their scent will lure more.

I've read about 50/50 solutions with dish soap/water and bleach, simply letting them free outside, and getting some venus fly traps as solutions but nothing of significance. Are these seen in your neck of the country? What works? Is this a sign of the end of world is near?

Never heard of it. Apparently not native to NA, and only recently introduced to Pennsylvania.

http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/brownMarmoratedstinkbug.htm

I had no idea what they were either until I was over at my parents' house a few days ago and my sister (also visiting) found one. My dad called it a "pumpkin bug" after he smelled it (probably a southern thang :)), and said they often appear dormant, and he's seen them a bunch while working in wood piles, etc. I've found three of them in my house in the past couple of weeks (dead, or so I thought), but I'd never seen them before that I recall.

Good luck! We have the damn things everywhere and this recent warm weather seems to be bringing them back out. I saw one this morning in the kitchen...

MANAGEMENT

Before Bugs Enter a Building:

Mechanical exclusion is the best method to keep stink bugs from entering homes and buildings. Cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings should be sealed with good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced.

Exterior applications of insecticides may offer some relief from infestations where the task of completely sealing the exterior is difficult or impossible. Applications should consist of a synthetic pyrethroid (i.e. deltamethrin, cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, sumithrin or tralomethrin) and should be applied by a licensed pest control operator in the fall just prior to bug congregation. Unfortunately, because insecticides are broken down by sunlight, the residual effect of the material will be greatly decreased and may not kill the insects much beyond several days or a week.

After Stink Bugs Have Entered the Structure:

If numerous bugs are entering the living areas of the home, attempt to locate the openings where the insects gain access. Typically, stink bugs will emerge from cracks under or behind baseboards, around window and door trim, and around exhaust fans or lights in ceilings. Seal these openings with caulk or other suitable materials to prevent the insects from crawling out. Both live and dead stink bugs can be removed from interior areas with the aid of a vacuum cleaner.

It is not advisable to use an insecticide inside after the insects have gained access to the wall voids or attic areas. Although insecticidal dust treatments to these voids may kill hundreds of bugs, there is the possibility that carpet beetles will feed on the dead stink bugs and subsequently attack woolens, stored dry goods or other natural products in the home. Although aerosol-type pyrethrum foggers will kill stink bugs that have amassed on ceilings and walls in living areas, it will not prevent more of the insects from emerging shortly after the room is aerated. For this reason use of these materials is not considered a good solution to long-term management of the problem. Spray insecticides, directed into cracks and crevices, will not prevent the bugs from emerging and is not a viable or recommended treatment.

http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/brownMarmoratedstinkbug.htm


Oops... masraum already posted that. I went Googling to see if typical home pest control stuff like I get from Lowe's and Home Depot would do the job, and that's what I found.

Recipes... we need recipes!

With the economy the way it is this could be a gold mine!

I was thinking the same thing! Someone already designed a trap and submitted a patent on it. Rutgers is also doing a lot of research on them. I went to the garden store today looking for a venus fly trap, but were sold out. They also didn't have any remedies to this growing problem.

Roasted to a slightly crunchy perfection... with a little cayenne pepper sprinkled on top. Num num num.

Well, "Demon WP" seems to kill pretty much anything. Sprayed all around the outside of the house and especially around entry points, it might help.

I always think of fire in these scenarios.

i see something like that every once in a while during the summer in the driveway or on the garage door. but never inside.

came from orient makes sence with all the imports we get here.

If you prefer the satisfaction of immediate body count, I've found the ether in start fluid to be amusing. Apply directly to bug.

Oh, careful around the water heater.

Well if they're really 'pumpkin' bugs I suggest a light coating of olive oil and salt then pop 'em in the oven for 12 minutes at 400 degrees. :)

I found another one last night (that makes 4). Thanks to you guys, when I read this thread title, I now see "The brown marinated stink bug" instead :)