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[Deanie]

On 9/28/2014 curlywhitedog said:

On 9/28/2014 Sweetbay magnolia said:

Good gracious, (if I may call you), Maria! I didn't know! That is information worth sharing.

They've been a significant problem for the nursery trade (I've seen hollies with leaves that are completely stippled from the underside), and the poor fruit growers are having a devil of a time.

Your fireplace story is grand.

(just read lulu's post - remind me to do a "sweep" of the sleeping quarters before we retire!)

I'm kinda partial to that fireplace story myself. Watching the flames, hearing the screams (well, ok, the screams could have been coming from my side of the FP but why split hairs on such a happy occasion).

Maria

Yes!

[MalteseMomma]

I Just found my first one of the yr clinging to my door as I let my dog out. I grabbed it (in a tissue) and put it out on my front lawn garden away from the house. I was afraid if I crushed it ,it would stink. I hope it doesn't find it's way back to my door.

I should add " Raid Bug Barrier" is excellent for ALL bugs

[LeoGrl]

OMG! They are the worst! We've had them here for 10 years!!! Numbers have decreased a lot, however, they are not gone! They are smelly and disgusting. Many people with allergies are affected by them. Right now they are scoping out their hibernation spots for the Fall/Winter months...marking their territory and calling other stink bugs to come hang out here.

Here's my stink bug guide for those in need: If inside your home, do not let them back outside. They will find their way back in (you need to kill them). They don't bite, but can stick you with needle-like mouth. These bugs are very hardy...they have a strong will to survive, and most do...the adults can live for several years. The cold does not kill most (some, but not most)...they just go into a hibernation state (they look dead, but they are not). They like to clump together in groups. They can live outside in cold temps in old/dead tree bark. They can live behind your siding. They'd rather enter your nice, warm house. They like garages and cars too! They have a substance in their bodies...sort of like an anti-freeze. They love certain trees, plants, fruits & veggies (most actually), and they store their food up so they can live until next spring. They often wake up in the winter months when your heat is turned up thinking it's time to go back outside. They get lost finding their way back out, so you might see them flying around your home or crawling (this has happened around Christmas time for me). Light and heat attracts them.

They like the higher reaches of your house...prefer upstairs windows and attics. You must caulk around sides of windows. They like to enter around sides of windows...slip through a crack the width of a nickel. Just search around the internet...you will find so much information. I believe they've populated like 35 states now, and they are on the move. If you don't have them yet, one day you probably will. I hate bugs so much, and these bugs make my skin crawl, but I've become a bit of a reluctant expert in dealing with them...LOL!

If you spray, there are several good residual sprays that you can buy. Most you mix with water and you need a sprayer. You need a residual spray...one that clings/sticks well and will last through the rain for a while. They do work. You can spray screens, siding, roof line, fascia...areas like that. If you do the soap and water thing (which dries them out), it's best to spray under them...like their bellies when they're clinging to the screens (their hard shell on top protects them). I hear alcohol also dries them out, and some people have used WD-40 (any type of oil really) which also smothers them (but that's very messy).

Good luck everyone! They are horrible to deal with. Scientists in PA & Delaware are working on solving this invasive species bug from Asia that's been out of control for years. They are destroying crops & farms (the worst of this bug). There's a teeny tiny wasp that eats their eggs...I believe the researchers are still testing this out. Let's hope we can get a handle on them soon. I hate 'em...so much!!!

[KatieB]

They are all over the place here in Greensboro NC, especially my back patio and chimney. I've flushed over 50 of them down the toilet over the last week.. They come into my house whenever they get a chance.. Wish I knew how to get rid of the things from the back of my house..

Katie