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If you live in the United States, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered a brown marmorated stink bug – though the species is native to Asia, it has now been spotted in 43 states since its arrival around 1998.
Though they typically remain outdoors (unless they find themselves carried inside on clothing or other material), they might come inside seeking warmth in the cooler months of fall and winter. Since they’re not small – typically a half-inch long or more – you’ll probably spot them when they do.
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But even though our justice against insect invaders is typically swift and mortal, common sense should prevail with stink bugs – don’t squish them.
I mean, unless you enjoy the pungent aroma of skunk or rotten cilantro permeating your rooms.
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They’re called stink bugs for a reason: the bugs release a terrible scent whenever they feel threatened, and that includes as they die. So really be careful in handling them, period.
Things to try: nudging them alive onto a piece of paper or into a cup, using a vacuum, or leaving out trays of soapy water in the hopes they might take their own lives.
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The good news is that you’ll probably only see a few in your house, if any, so you shouldn’t have to figure out how to handle an army of the little buggers.
Another bright spot, scientists are saying that the samurai wasp – the stinkbug’s natural predator in its native habitat – has arrived in the United States. The parasitic wasp has been spotted in 10 states and is expected to spread.
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I’ll let you decide whether or not you consider that good news.
I definitely to do. *shudder*
