Brooklynian » Forum » Park Slope »

Stinkbug invasion in Park Slope?

Share this!
 | 
    1. User has not uploaded an avatar
      SlopeDuder

      getting it
      Joined: Jan '10
      Posts: 93

      About two weeks ago, I had a stinkbug in my apt. on 1st street. I killed it and didn't think much of it. But since then, I have killed at least 5 more over the past few days. I googled a bit about stinkbugs, only to read that an invasive species of stinkbug got released in PA back in '98 and has been spreading ever since. There was an article about it in NYT back in '07 here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/28bugsnj.html

      So have they finally showed up in Park Slope? Has anyone else seen these critters around or am I just having some bad luck? Anyone have any stinkbug stories?
    2. carmen
      Carmen

      Mayor of Snark Slope
      Joined: Jun '06
      Posts: 3,249

      dont even tell me this, I can't combat more than mice and roaches...
      whoa hey whoa hey whoa
    3. xlizellx
      xlizellx

      rocking it
      Joined: Jul '08
      Posts: 1,444

      oh god -- they are so gross. I'm from PA and seriously -- blech!!

      My problem is stink bugs is not one that translates to mice and roaches :: THEY DON'T MOVE! And they land EXACTLY where you don't want them.

      -- on the head of a toothbrush

      -- on the pump part of a hand soap

      -- on a door knob

      -- on the banister up the steps

      -- on the handle of a blow dryer

      -- on the mouth of a beer bottle.

      YES. All have happened to me while visiting parents. And they don't move! They LET you touch them with your hands and then freak out! ugh!!
    4. pastoralia
      pastoralia

      above average
      Joined: Jan '07
      Posts: 678

      Well, I'll be damned. I've seen a lot of those this fall and early winter. I never squished them I sprayed them with an insecticide. I even had one buzzing around a lightbulb just inches from my head. Never knew what they were, I just thought they were some weird beetle.
    5. User has not uploaded an avatar
      LongTimeSloper

      rocking it
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 2,481

      Wow, I wonder if this is what I found in my bathtub last night.........
    6. bradedward
      bradedward

      5x5+2
      Joined: Feb '08
      Posts: 195

      LongTimeSloper » Wow, I wonder if this is what I found in my bathtub last night.........

      no that was me. Next time I'll be more discrete. Sorry.
    7. User has not uploaded an avatar
      marnor

      what am I, new?
      Joined: Jun '09
      Posts: 2

      Subject: yup

      i had them clinging to my window screens this fall, but it seems like they've since moved on. truth told, i didn't know that's what they were until i just looked it up. having moved here from georgia, any non-parasitic bug smaller than a hiking boot doesn't really phase me.
    8. User has not uploaded an avatar
      bluiz711

      rookie newb
      Joined: Sep '09
      Posts: 12

      We had one in our apartment the other day. My husband squished it before I could stop him, but it didn't stink. I just assumed that they would smell since they are called stinkbugs...
    9. User has not uploaded an avatar
      eggcream

      rocking it
      Joined: May '06
      Posts: 1,355

      We had one last week hanging out on a wall.

    10. mamacita
      Mamacita

      Stuck in the middle with you
      Joined: Dec '06
      Posts: 9,141

      Love this diagram!

      (\__/)
      (=’.'=)
      (”)_(”)
    11. I remember when I saw my first one while in Allentown, PA. in the late 90s (see article below, they were first sighted in this area) My folks would have to pick them up with a tissue, making sure NOT to squeeze or squash them in any way, and take them out side -- or flush them (great for saving H20...). They are light weight and sort of just fall and surprise the heck out of you.

      I have never smelled one but have had to get rid of more than a few in my day. I visit Pennsylvania every month.

      My aunt has a vacuum-type of clear tube which sucked them right in.

      Everyone is in agreement that they do smell pretty bad.

      http://www.nj.com/homegarden/garden/index.ssf/2009/10/stink_bugs.html
      If I don't quite understand you...well, that's all right...if you don't want to understand me...it really doesn't matter.... If we all try to understand each other, well now, just think of what might happen!
    12. User has not uploaded an avatar
      LongTimeSloper

      rocking it
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 2,481

      Found another one today, definitely the bugs listed here, ick!
    13. I killed one of these last week! I had no idea, covered it with paper towels and hit it with a rubber mallet! very non- dramatically..
    14. User has not uploaded an avatar
      bklynpetunia

      getting it
      Joined: Mar '07
      Posts: 52

      We are midway through our seasonal stinkbug parade that's been going on every winter for the past few years. We name them Stinky #1,2 etc. I think we're up to Stinky #12 or so. The kids use a bug vacuum to suck them up and deposit them outside, where they can fend for themselves. All you can do is just get ride of them before they can create more Stinkys.
    15. mamacita
      Mamacita

      Stuck in the middle with you
      Joined: Dec '06
      Posts: 9,141

      Are they actually stinky?
      (\__/)
      (=’.'=)
      (”)_(”)
    16. User has not uploaded an avatar
      LongTimeSloper

      rocking it
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 2,481

      I was so tempted last night to smash the one in my kitchen to find out, but was afraid it would truly be stinky and stink up the kitchen. So, i don't know! I didn't even know until the other day that these things existed, have never seen them before!
    17. Here's a Lesson Plan on Stink Bugs (Includes how to capture and HOW TO RELEASE THE SMELL...

      Here's a site which is, more or less, PRO Stink bug (it is a lesson plans on Stink Bug/Shield Bug Information)

      http://insected.arizona.edu/stinkinfo.htm

      OR an OPPOSING VIEW

      http://animals.howstuffworks.com/insects/stinkbug-info.htm

      Does a Stinkbug Really Stink?

      A stinkbug gives off a very bad smell if it is bothered. The smell comes from a stinky liquid that flows from two glands on the bug’s thorax. Once released, the odor remains on whatever the stink bug touches. To most predators, a stinkbug tastes as bad as it smells. Many birds spit out stinkbugs right after biting into them. However, other birds don’t seem to mind a stinkbug’s taste.

      What Do Stinkbugs Feed On?

      Most kinds of stinkbugs suck the juices of plants. Some kinds suck the body fluids of insects. Others feed on both plants and insects. Plant-sucking stinkbugs feed on the juices of young fruits and seeds. Some also suck the sap from plants as well as the nectar from flowers. Green stinkbugs often suck on crops like soybeans, rice, and tomatoes.

      Some stinkbugs can greatly damage a farmer’s crops. But others can be helpful to farmers. The helpful stinkbugs kill other insects that do more harm to plants than they do themselves. Such insects include certain types of beetles and caterpillars and even some other stinkbugs.

      Take your pick.
      If I don't quite understand you...well, that's all right...if you don't want to understand me...it really doesn't matter.... If we all try to understand each other, well now, just think of what might happen!
    18. flo
      Flo

      Ghoulish Fool
      Joined: May '07
      Posts: 606

    19. User has not uploaded an avatar
      SlopeDuder

      getting it
      Joined: Jan '10
      Posts: 93

      Wow that article is truly awful. This thread is far more informative. Anyways I haven't seen anymore since the one i killed 2 weeks ago thank goodness.
    20. User has not uploaded an avatar
      LongTimeSloper

      rocking it
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 2,481

      Same here, have not seen any in about 2 weeks or so. I haven't read the Post article yet, is it good?
    21. User has not uploaded an avatar
      SlopeDuder

      getting it
      Joined: Jan '10
      Posts: 93

      I spoke too soon. Another one showed up tonight. Probably hiding from the snow.
    22. turtle95
      turtle95

      think about it first
      Joined: Jan '07
      Posts: 293

      Aaaakkk! I saw one on my wall last night...it was right at eye level just staring at me. I immediately thought "Stinkbug Invasion". Thankfully, I had read this thread so I carefully knocked it off the wall, wrapped it in a tissue and flushed it without squashing it. Stinkbug stench avoided, thanks to Brooklynian.
    23. As far as I know...they don't come in groups, they tend to be here or there.
      If I don't quite understand you...well, that's all right...if you don't want to understand me...it really doesn't matter.... If we all try to understand each other, well now, just think of what might happen!
    24. flexichick
      Flexichick

      Windsor Terrorist
      Joined: Apr '06
      Posts: 9,622

      damn it all to hell! I just looked up in my kitchen and there is one on my ceiling. I can't reach it and since it isn't within the reach of La Terrorista (aka Stella Puss), I don't know what to do with it. I guess I could try to knock it down. Is it going to fly at me or fall on my head? Why the hell did I need to look up? This little shit had better not have brought friends with him
      Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
    25. Subject: Stink Bug

      Hi, They won't hurt you however, don't let your kitty get at it because if he/she squeezes it, well that is when the stink is released. The smell will stick on surfaces.

      Best thing to do is get a mop or broom, wrap a cloth around it and gently knock it to the floor. I don't think they fly. Make sure you push it forward so it doesn't fall behind everything. Sometimes they will just fall.

      Anyway, pick it up with a paper towel or napkin and take it outside. Don't squish it. I don't recommend flushing it down the toilet.
      If I don't quite understand you...well, that's all right...if you don't want to understand me...it really doesn't matter.... If we all try to understand each other, well now, just think of what might happen!
    26. flexichick
      Flexichick

      Windsor Terrorist
      Joined: Apr '06
      Posts: 9,622

      thanks, Stoop Lady. Right now it's still in the same place I found it. On the ceiling over the sink, which has dishes soaking in it. I want to see if I can do the dishes first, but I keep thinking it's going to fall on my head, and I will scream like a little girlie man....but I don't want it to fall into the soapy water full of dishes either if I start trying to knock it down. What I would really like is to go back in time to before I knew it was there and just remain ignorant
      Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
    27. lnelson
      lnelson

      Grammar Police
      Joined: Apr '07
      Posts: 555

      Subject: Re: Stink Bug

      StoopLady »  I don't recommend flushing it down the toilet.

      Why not flush it? Are there potential adverse effects?
      Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
    28. jim vaccaro
      Jim Vaccaro

      rookie newb
      Joined: Aug '08
      Posts: 37

      Mamacita » Are they actually stinky?

      Try not to squish them..
    29. flexichick
      Flexichick

      Windsor Terrorist
      Joined: Apr '06
      Posts: 9,622

      will one of you experts kindly come over and get this damn thing off of my ceiling?

      these stinkbugs have a very "happy fun ball" sound to them.

      Do not squish stinky stinkbug

      Do not flush stinky stinkbug

      Do not anger stinky stinkbug

      Do not mock stinky stinkbug

      Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
    30. Yes, they stink, and the smell sticks on the surface of where you squish them. SEE PRIOR POSTS WITH WEBSITEs.

      Flushing just isn't environmentally friendly. A waste of H2O. Also, if you miss the bowel you have to start the process all over again. Since you can't squeeze the thing it might not be a good idea.

      They won't hurt you but when they drop off the ceiling they sometimes scare you. It isn't the same as a fly or a gnat, ants or even cockroaches. It just doesn't register.

      Anyway, see the pros/cons in one of my earlier posts.

      Its OK to be a girlie-man and it is OK to be a manish-girl.
      If I don't quite understand you...well, that's all right...if you don't want to understand me...it really doesn't matter.... If we all try to understand each other, well now, just think of what might happen!
    31. flexichick
      Flexichick

      Windsor Terrorist
      Joined: Apr '06
      Posts: 9,622

      Well, stinkbug is outside in the yard. I liberated him with a mop - one of those flat head mops that you use with a cloth. I kind of coaxed him on it "here, buggy buggy" and then when he was on the ground, I gently picked him up with paper towel, while yelling "EW EW EW EW EW", opened up the back door, and threw the whole thing, including paper towel into my back yard. He was last seen legs up. I'll see if he's still there tomorrow.

      My new business venture will include:

      - stinkbug removal

      - scanning and email services
      Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
    32. booklaw
      booklaw

      admin
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 2,206

      You could also feed stinkbugs to rabid raccoons! Or mail stinkbugs to unloved relatives and utter strangers.
    33. flexichick
      Flexichick

      Windsor Terrorist
      Joined: Apr '06
      Posts: 9,622

      booklaw » You could also feed stinkbugs to rabid raccoons! Or mail stinkbugs to unloved relatives and utter strangers.

      I know some people who deserve a stinkbug mailing
      Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
    34. vidro3
      vidro3

      running you over with my bike
      Joined: Feb '08
      Posts: 1,484

      [quote="eggcream"]We had one last week hanging out on a wall.

      huh I saw one of these guys a few weeks ago and just thought it was a weird bug. my cat had hours of fun chasing it around.

      no stink.
    35. flexichick
      Flexichick

      Windsor Terrorist
      Joined: Apr '06
      Posts: 9,622

      I just checked outside. Paper towel still there, but stanky bug gone. He either flipped himself right-side up and walked away or somebody came and ate him
      Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
    36. mamacita
      Mamacita

      Stuck in the middle with you
      Joined: Dec '06
      Posts: 9,141

      Found one, killed it, squished it, smelled it

      NO SMELL!! Actually, it just smelled like a bug. Herby-bug-like

      but far from OMG ITS A SKUNK BUG GRAB THE TOMATO JUICE!

      And yes, I flushed the bastard!
      (\__/)
      (=’.'=)
      (”)_(”)
    37. flexichick
      Flexichick

      Windsor Terrorist
      Joined: Apr '06
      Posts: 9,622

      So, here I am at my mom's house in PA and I see one on the wall.

      Mom: here's paper towel, kill eeeeeeeeeeet.

      Me: what the hell? You're the mama!

      Mom: I'm too short! I can't reach eet (she is about 8 inches shorter than I am)

      Me: ok, but I can't smoosh eeeeet. It's stinky!

      Mom: I know, I know, just brush it off the wall and make it go outside.

      Me: hmpf. Fine.

      So, I go after it and IT FUCKING FLIES RIGHT AT ME

      queue "screaming like little girlie man"

      Me (hands paper towel back to mom): my work here is done. You are on your own.
      Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
    38. pastoralia
      pastoralia

      above average
      Joined: Jan '07
      Posts: 678

      Had one of these fuckers dive-bomb me last week. Came flying into the living room and started circling around the ceiling light...made it hard as hell to get a bead on it but I finally whacked it. No stink but quite a freakout when something just starts buzzing around you in the middle of winter. How the hell did it get in the apartment is what I'm wondering.
    39. mamacita
      Mamacita

      Stuck in the middle with you
      Joined: Dec '06
      Posts: 9,141

      They're back like Die Hard With a Vengeance!

      Ha, not really. But I did kill one right now. Spring is in the air and so are stink bugs.

      (\__/)
      (=’.'=)
      (”)_(”)
    40. User has not uploaded an avatar
      SlopeDuder

      getting it
      Joined: Jan '10
      Posts: 93

      I've had a pretty steady stream of stinkbungs since I posted this thread. In the fall I always find a bunch inside my air conditioner when I take it out, and there's been the dried corpse of one on one of my window screens all winter long I've been too lazy to remove. Thankfully, due to their non-aggressive disposition, my wife has no fear of them and doesn't mind removing them herself. I rather have stinkbugs than bedbugs or roaches any day.


    RSS feed for this topic

     Welcome! Please log in to post, or register a new account!

    Brooklynian » Neighborhood Message Boards » Park Slope


    Members Online

    now : fred damico
    most recent : fred damico, chca, rogersma, ishtar, pragmaticguy, terekete, max collodi, lord haw haw, stewart, patsy miele kirk, epiclylaterd, new2parkslope, signs, threecee, xlizellx