OMG - update stink bug annilhilation post #18

Within the past week, our house has been invaded by these nasty critters! They just keep coming....and they smell so bad! My vacuum is broken so need to go get a new one.

Was reading where they are attracted to light and certain plants although they didn't list what kind - great - they are the worst in the corner of the living room with my tank! Obviously can't spray - YUCK!

Just had to rant. I think I feel better now.

 

at night time, turn your blue night lights off, and get a blue light bug zapper and post it up beside teh tank!

 

We've had them really bad around here for the past 3 or 4 years. Now is when they try to get inside where it stays warm. You'll be battling them all winter; they just keep crawling out of the woodwork until late spring - early summer. Oddly enough, they can survive all winter indoors, but once it warms up outside, the one's that can't get back out die off.

What's really weird is that they seem to be attracted to saltwater. They always find a way into my tank, and can be seen crawling on the pumps, rocks, etc until they drown. It appears they're mostly harmless; however, I do run GAC religiously (always have) which may be a contributing factor, as they do spray and cause the water to stink for a while. You might consider a fine mesh cover to keep them out. With HOB equipment, I don't have that option, unfortunately. :-/

 

oh my Mr. Bill...that does not sound good as far as what to look forward to. I'm almost thinking I should call an exterminator to do some sort of outside shield or something if these are just going to keep getting worse and I can't really kill them. I tried burning some scented lamp oil and am going to try some incense - I sprayed the screen with fabreeze and they seem to be staying off of that for the time being and staying at the ceiling area. I read where they are attracted to their own stinky scent so maybe trying anti stinky lol. I guess I should be glad they're not roaches ugh! Country living has its drawbacks.

 

Can you get an image of one of them for me please. You can try natural pest removal. Mantis eat stink bugs, chickens eat some types as do house Geckos. Wouldn't be wonderful to have some house Geckos running around?

 

That's interesting info, Cheryl. The authorities have claimed that the Asian stink bug has no known natural predators in the U.S.; however, I have also witnessed a few common species of spiders feeding on them in my home.

(For those who don't know, the Asian stink bug came over on a cargo ship and were accidentally released at the Port of Baltimore, in 2003 IIRC. Those are the ones making the massive invasion).

While it's also claimed that their biggest threat is crop damage, I've also noticed a sharp decline in grasshopper and Japanese beetle populations in just the last 3 - 4 years...

 

That is why I am interested in what type of beetle they are. We have a huge grasshopper season with huge grasshoppers here. A lot of people keep chickens just for that reason. Because the beetle release a noxious substance I do not know what would eat them. I bet Tarantulas would try, but I am sure OFK rather not go there.

 

We have a wolf spider infestation, I prefer the cool Calisoga (Mini tarantula basically) that lived in our old house.

 

I have definitely noticed a decline in the Japanese beetles and grasshoppers (now that you mention it) here over the past two summers. We have unfortunately been invaded by the ash tree eating bore (also imported from China I believe) and it's eradicating all of the ash trees here. We have about 6 quite large ash trees that are now going to need to be cut down because of this invasive species. It's really sad, so many trees are gone.

 

I am not really scared of spiders (snakes yes) but you're right, tarantula probably not I do like the little gecko idea though.

I will get an image in the morning when the lights are on.