Stink Bugs Invade Fields Across Western Nevada Causing Great Havoc

Stink bugs are real pests. They are a big problem to homeowners and farmers. Dealing with stink bugs can be really traumatizing. Of late, these stink bugs have made their way across the fields of western Nevada where they are causing great havoc.

According to a latest statement from The Nevada Department of Agriculture, stink bugs (Chlorochroa sayi) have invaded yards and fields across western Nevada and have received several calls in regard with the insect from citizens in areas of Smith Valley, Douglas County, Carson City, the North Valleys area of Reno and Pershing County.

"The Say's stink bug gets its name from an offensive odor released when disturbed," NDA state entomologist Jeff Knight stated in the release. "It develops on a weed called tumble mustard in disturbed and burned areas. As these areas dry up the immature insects will migrate to adjacent greener areas."

Knight continued to state that these insects stay far from the horticultural plants that are grown in yards and gardens. They are generally found feeding on developing seeds and very rarely feed on grain crops, fruits and potatoes. It is necessary to control the number of stink bugs in such situations as the number is high. Because once they become adults it is difficult to control the spread of stink bugs.

When these stink bugs turn into a grown up adults, they become amazing flyers and are attracted to light. When the citizens notice a growing population of stink bugs near lights, they should consider changing the light to a yellow or amber color in order to reduce the problem of stink bugs.

The stink bugs have more than one generation every year in Nevada. The number of stink bugs in the second generation is comparatively less due to less massive areas of the weedy plants they feed on.

The havoc these bugs can cause was clear to farmers in 2010 when millions of stink bugs destroyed fruit crops in several states in the mid Atlantic region. That time, the invasion of stink bugs cost the apple industry alone a total $37 million, reports BBC.

While few experts believe that pesticides are not a sustainable solution, the department believes that most over-the-counter products containing carbaryl- the third most used insecticide in the U.S., should be helpful in controlling the spread of the stink bugs.