Stink Bugs
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Stink bugs (Euschistus spp., Chinavia hilare, Halyomorpha halys) are ½ inch to ¾ inch in size and shield-shaped. Stink bugs feed with piercing-sucking mouthparts and cause off-color corky areas under skins of tomato and pepper fruit; these symptoms are called ‘cloud spots.’ When disturbed, stink bugs give off an odor similar to that of crushed cilantro.
Brown stink bug.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Brown marmorated stink bug.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Green stink bug.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Stink bug damage to tomato.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Use screens over ventilation windows to prevent stink bug entry.
- Eliminate weeds around the outside of high tunnels.
- When stink bugs are detected, use foliar insecticide sprays as needed to prevent fruit injury.
