Are St. Louis Stink Bugs Dangerous?
Posted by Mosquito SquadOctober 16, 2024
If you live in the St. Louis metro East and Western Illinois, you have probably encountered stink bugs, abhorred autumnal visitors.
There are a few types of stink bugs in the East St. Louis area, including the brown marmorated stink bug, green stink bug, and a black stink bug, also known as the harlequin bug. What we do know for sure is – stink bugs are frustratingly invasive, and they do stink. But are St. Louis area stink bugs dangerous to our health and well-being?
Are brown marmorated stink bugs dangerous?
You’ll be happy to know that brown marmorated stink bugs are not directly dangerous to us humans or our beloved pets. Brown marmorated stink bugs seemingly descend on our homes in veritable armies. They can become a huge and stinky nuisance! In addition to being annoying, brown marmorated stink bugs can damage crops, including field crops and fruit trees. They can even destroy decorative plants.
Are green stink bugs dangerous?
Like their brown counterparts, green stink bugs are not a threat to humans or animals. They’re also similar, in that they are also an agricultural threat. They might defensively or accidentally bite us, but even then, there’s no harm.
Are harlequin bugs or black stink bugs dangerous?
These bugs are nasty bits of business for crops and plant life. Harlequin bugs can cause extensive damage to crops by sucking their sap and leaving an injury behind that could invite a secondary plant infection. Additionally, harlequin bugs can cause rot or fungus by feeding directly on the fruit or vegetable and can cause substantial yield losses.
Where did these St. Louis stink bugs come from?
While the green stink bug and harlequin bug are both from North America, only one is considered native to the United States. The harlequin bug originates in Central Mexico and was first noted to be in the States in the mid-1800’s.
The brown marmorated stink bug is native to China and is believed to have been introduced here through cargo containers. This stink bug was first found in the Untied States in the 1990’s.
Looking for pest control in St Louis? Call Mosquito Squad.
Mosquito Squad of St. Louis Metro East is pleased to offer highly effective pest control solutions, including stink bug control, throughout the area, including Western Illinois. We offer pest control in Belleville IL, Fairview Heights IL, Collinsville IL, O’Fallon IL, Waterloo IL, and beyond!
Contact us today at (618) 221-5139 or by filling out our form online.