Stink Bug Ontario: Effective Control and Prevention Tips

If you've ever been startled by a strange, shield-shaped bug crawling on your wall or noticed a foul odor after crushing an insect indoors, it was probably a stink bug! It's more common in Ontario than you think, and, unfortunately, it can damage your garden, fruit trees, and even your indoor environment.

So, if you're here to figure out what these bugs are, why they're invading your space, and most importantly, how to stop them, read on! In this article, we've covered everything you need to know about the stink bug Ontario.

Key Takeaways

• Brown marmorated stink bugs are the most common and destructive stink bug species in Ontario. Originally from Asia, they have become a serious agricultural threat in North America and a seasonal nuisance for homeowners, especially in southern Ontario.
• These bugs are most active in spring and fall, entering homes through tiny cracks in search of warmth. Their strong odor and tendency to gather in large numbers make them hard to ignore, especially as they prepare to overwinter indoors.
• Prevention is your best defense. Sealing gaps, upgrading windows and doors, and using retractable screens can drastically reduce the risk of infestation while also improving your home's energy efficiency and comfort.

What Stink Bugs Are Found in Ontario?

The most common stink bug species found in Ontario, particularly southern Ontario, is the brown marmorated stink bug, scientifically known as Halyomorpha halys and also known as BMSB.

This insect is native to China, Japan, and other Asian regions. At the end of the 20th century, however, it was accidentally introduced to Pennsylvania. From there, it quickly spread throughout North America through shipping containers, cargo, and vehicles.

Brown marmorated stink bugs are considered a destructive and invasive species. Imagine that between 2011 and 2012, their population numbers in North America increased by 60%!

Other Stink Bugs Found in Canada

While less common than the brown marmorated stink bug, these stink bug species can also be found in Canada:

• Green stink bug (Chinavia hilaris): less common, native, bright green, non-invasive.
• Two-spotted stink bug (Perillus bioculatus): a predator of beetle larvae, beneficial to agriculture.
• Rough stink bug (Brochymena spp.)
• Dusky stink bug (Euschistus tristigmus)

What do Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Look Like?

Brown marmorated stink bugs are small bugs, measuring approximately 17 mm (0.67 in) in length. They have a heraldic shield shape characteristic of all stink bugs. The bugs in this species have dark-brown bodies when viewed from above. Their undersides are creamy white-brown. However, some brown marmorated stink bugs may have shades of red, copper, grey, or even black.

These bugs are called marmorated because of their marble-like markings: alternating dark bands on the outer edge of the abdomen, as well as light-colored bands on the antennae.

Life Cycle of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Like many other insects, stink bugs have three life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults. Here are some characteristics for each:

• Eggs:
  
  • Are typically light green and barrel-shaped and become yellow with red eye spots (with a triangle shape) right before hatching
  • Measure approximately 1.6x1.3 mm (0.06x0.05 in)
  • Are laid in clusters of 20-30 eggs on the undersides of leaves
  • Hatch in about four to five days, marking the beginning of the stink bug’s life cycle

• Nymphs:
  • Look like ticks
  • Undergo five growth stages
  • Measure between 2.4 mm (0.09 in) and 12 mm (0.47 in), depending on growth stage
  • Have a black head and black legs at first, develop a yellowish-red abdomen in the second stage, and eventually become darker and develop the typical BMSB markings as they get closer to the adult stage
  • The development process takes roughly five weeks

• Adults:
  • Measure 14-17 mm (0.5-0.6 in) long and 8 mm (0.31 in) wide
  • Have marble-like bodies with a brown and white mottled appearance
  • Have smooth, rounded shoulders
  • Have two white bands on each antenna
  • Have abdomen margins covered in alternating dark and light bands
  • Have an average lifespan of eight month.

It's important to note that BMSB reproduce differently in various regions, depending on temperature and other environmental factors.

When Are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Most Active?

Stink bugs are most active in spring, from mid-April to early or late June. Since adult females have their ovaries underdeveloped in winter, they need to feed for two weeks before mating. After mating, adult BMSB lay eggs (up to 400 in their lifetimes) until late July or early August.

During the growing season and before seeking shelter indoors in September and early October (they don't really like low temperatures), brown marmorated stink bugs congregate on exterior walls, especially those that receive plenty of sunlight. They can also be seen around light fixtures. Then, they move indoors and are often spotted on warmer winter days, when they emerge from their hiding places.

Are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Considered Pests?

Brown marmorated stink bugs are considered pests because they are plant feeders. They are known to cause serious damage to agronomic crops, since they feed on tree fruit like apples, apricots, grapes, cherries, Asian pears, peaches, tomatoes, as well as sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, and soybeans.

They have stylets that pierce the plant tissue and help them extract plant fluids. A lack of plant fluids can lead to a myriad of issues in terms of growth. Plus, when the stink bugs extract the plant's juices, they also inject saliva into the plant, which further damages it.

Signs of stink bug damage include:

• Leaf destruction
• Mealy texture to the harvested vegetables and fruits
• Rotten insides
• The "stay green" effect (when soybeans remain green late into the season)
• The "edge effect" (when stink bugs infect crops that are 30-40 feet away from the field edge)
• Death of buds
• Missing or stained seeds
• Discoloured bark in trees
• Small necrotic spots at the feeding site were caused by digestive enzymes injected into the plant

However, keep in mind that brown marmorated stink bugs are primarily considered serious agricultural pests in the United States. In Ontario, it is primarily a nuisance pest. Nonetheless, in recent years, more and more brown marmorated bugs have started damaging fruit trees and even ornamental shrubs in Ontario.

In urban areas, BMSB are a nuisance to homeowners. As winter approaches, brown marmorated stink bugs prepare to invade homes (this species is even more likely to enter houses than other stink bug species). They enter homes in large populations, usually of thousands of individuals. Like other species of stink bugs, BMSB sneak in through gaps around windows and door frames, chimneys, soffits, and any other space with cracks or gaps. They usually wait for warmer months, but adults emerge on warm winter days.

Are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Harmful to Humans?

Brown stink bugs do not bite people. However, they can emit a foul odour as a defense mechanism. It is enough to handle a stink bug or attempt to move it for it to emit that pungent odor. Moreover, a stink bug's body fluids are toxic to human skin and eyes. Although such cases are rare, it is important to avoid handling them to prevent irritation and more severe reactions like dermatitis or even keratitis.

How to Keep Stink Bugs Out of Your Home

The key to managing a stink bug infestation is to prevent BMSB from entering your home in the first place. Therefore, it's time to take some measures to keep these pests out before they can settle in! Here are several methods to protect your home.

1. Seal Gaps, Cracks, and Openings

The most effective way to prevent stink bugs from entering your home is to eliminate their points of entry. Brown marmorated stink bugs can fit through very small openings, including cracks around windows, doors, siding, chimneys, and utility pipes.

Use high-quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk to seal these entryways. For larger gaps, such as those found around vents or foundation openings, it's best to use expanding foam or weather-resistant sealant. Examine areas where different building materials meet, like where brick meets wood siding, and look for even the smallest crevices.

2. Fortify Doors and Windows

Windows and doors are some of the most common stink bug access points. If they are older or loosely fitted, it might be a good idea to replace them with high-performance units like those from Magic that come with high-quality retractable screens. They won't only keep pests out but also increase your home's energy efficiency and value.

If your windows and doors still perform well, just make sure there are no cracks or gaps around the frame and add or replace weatherstripping regularly. Moreover, ensure all window and door screens are free of tears or holes. Replace any damaged screens as needed. You can also install door sweeps at the base of exterior doors.

3. Limit Outdoor Lighting

Stink bugs are attracted to light sources, especially at dusk and night. Outdoor lighting can inadvertently draw them to your home, where they may find their way inside.

To reduce this risk, turn off porch and garden lights when not in use. Additionally, consider using yellow “bug lights” that emit wavelengths less attractive to insects. Also, keep curtains or blinds closed at night to limit the glow of indoor lights spilling outside.

4. Screen or Cover Vents and Chimneys

Attic vents, roof soffits, and chimneys are less obvious but definitely common entry points for stink bugs. These areas should be properly screened with fine mesh to prevent bugs from getting in. If you use a chimney, consider installing a chimney cap with insect-proof mesh.

And don't forget about dryer vents and air conditioning units. They also provide an easy path indoors, so check them and add protective screening if needed.

5. Vacuum, Don’t Squish!

If stink bugs do manage to get inside, your best bet is to remove them using a vacuum. Squishing them releases their distinctive, unpleasant odor and can even attract more stink bugs to the same area.

Therefore, use a vacuum cleaner with a disposable bag and dispose of the bag immediately after use. Avoid bagless vacuums because they can retain the stink bug smell. However, keep in mind that stink bugs can still stain the vacuum, so it's best to use an old vacuum if possible.

An alternative is to mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. When you see a stink bug, spray it with this soapy water solution, making sure it's completely covered.

If you notice dead stink bugs, you can remove them using gloves.

6. Encourage Natural Predators

In Ontario and other Canadian provinces, the most common stink bug predator is the wheel bug, scientifically called Arilus cristatus. Research says that, among other species, the wheel bug is the most voracious stink bug predator and attacks both eggs and adult stink bugs.

Other stink bug predators include:

• The spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris)
• Spiders (particularly from the Theridiidae, Pholcidae, and Agelenidae families)
• Pill bugs, also known as carpenter bugs, potato bugs, Rollie Pollie, woodbug, and curly bug in Canada (Armadillidiidae family)
• Birds
• Bats
• Parasitic flies
• Parasitic species

To support these beneficial species:

• Grow flowering plants that attract parasitic wasps.
• Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides, which can kill off predators as well as pests.
• Install birdhouses or hedgerows that attract insect-eating birds like wrens and chickadees.

7. Call Professional Pest Control Services

If:

• You're seeing a lot of stink bugs indoors (we're talking dozens or even hundreds!)
• You've tried different DIY methods, and they didn't work
• You suspect an overwintering infestation
• Your garden or crops are being damaged
• You're not sure what insect you're dealing with
• You have allergies or sensitivities

...it may be time to call professional pest control services. Choose one that has experience with brown marmorated stink bugs specifically, as they behave differently from native species.

Stink Bug Look-Alikes in Ontario

Many Ontario residents encounter bugs they believe are stink bugs, only to discover later that they’ve mistaken another insect for the real thing. As such, here are some details about their most common look-alikes.

1. Western Conifer Seed Bug

The western conifer seed bug, scientifically known as Leptoglossus occidentalis, is often confused with the brown marmorated stink bug. It has a similar size and color. However, it can be distinguished from the brown marmorated stink bug thanks to its long, narrow legs with flat, leaf-like expansions on the hind legs and a more elongated body shape.

These bugs also emit an odor when disturbed, but it smells more like pine. They also don’t damage fruit or vegetables. They primarily feed on pine cones and seeds.

2. Boxelder Bug

Boxelder bugs are black with bright red or orange markings along their wings and thorax. They are thinner and more elongated than stink bugs and don’t have the shield-shaped body.

While boxelder bugs, similar to brown marmorated stink bugs, do gather in large numbers and may enter homes in the fall, they are considered mostly harmless and do not feed on a wide range of field crops like brown marmorated stink bugs do.

3. Wheel Bugs

Wheel bugs are incredibly similar to stink bugs at first glance. However, there are many differences that can help you tell them apart. First, they have a characteristic dorsal crest that is shaped like a wheel, hence their name. They are brownish-gray and black immediately after molting.

While they also release an unpleasant odor, their scent is not as strong as the scent of the brown marmorated stink bug. Additionally, wheel bugs are predatory insects and consume other insects, including brown marmorated stink bugs.

4. Other Bugs

The brown marmorated stink bug looks very similar to some other bug species, including:

• Euschistus spp., particularly Euschistus ictericus, which can be distinguished by its black rings around the spiracles
• The spined soldier bug (Podisus mauliventris), which is probably the most distinctive of all the stink bug species; it has pointed shoulders and a short, thick nose segment, whereas the brown marmorated stink bug has rounded shoulders and a long, slender nose segment
• The rough stink bug (Brochymena spp.), which can be distinguished by spines on the shoulders and a darker color, with a somewhat flattened body
• The squash bug (Anasa tristis), which has alternate gold and brown spots along the margin of its abdomen and feeds on pumpkins and squashes.

Final Thoughts

Stink bugs may be small, but their presence in your home can become a big problem, especially if your windows, doors, or vents offer them an easy way inside. Now that you understand how these pests behave and how to identify and prevent them, you’re already one step ahead!

Ready to stink-proof your home for good? Contact Magic today to learn more about our airtight windows, glass doors, front doors, as well as high-performance retractable bug screens. Our innovative solutions keep the bugs out and the comfort in, season after season!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do if you find a stink bug?

If you find a stink bug, use a vacuum with a disposable bag to remove it, or spray it with a mix of water and dish soap. Avoid squishing it, as it will release a foul odor.

How to get rid of stink bugs in Ontario?

To get rid of stink bugs in Ontario, seal entry points like cracks and vents, install tight-fitting screens, reduce outdoor lighting, and use natural predators or traps to control their numbers.

What attracts stink bugs into your house?

Stink bugs are attracted to warmth, light, and the scent of ripe fruits or plants, especially in the fall when they seek shelter to overwinter.

Can a stink bug be harmful?

Stink bugs don’t bite, but their body fluids can irritate skin and eyes, and their strong odor can cause discomfort if they’re crushed or handled.

What are the main types of stink bugs found in Ontario?

The primary stink bug species found in Ontario are the brown marmorated stink bug, rough stink bug, green stink bug, and dusky stink bug.

What damage do stink bugs cause to crops?

Stink bugs cause significant damage to crops by feeding on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, leading to distortion, discoloration, and the formation of corky areas that render them unmarketable.

How can I prevent stink bugs from entering my home?

To prevent stink bugs from entering your home, seal cracks, repair damaged screens, and ensure windows and vents are fitted with screens.

When should Ice consider hiring a professional pest control service for stink bugs?

You should consider hiring a professional pest control service for stink bugs if you are facing persistent infestations that prove challenging to manage independently. Their expertise can guarantee effective eradication and the implementation of preventive measures.