If You See This Brown Bug In Your Yard, You Should Take Urgent Action

The next time you go into your backyard, keep your eyes peeled. There could be something rather nasty lurking right under your nose. We’re referring to a tiny brown bug that’s turning out to be a lot more trouble than its appearance would suggest. And if you spot one, you'll need to follow these steps – before it's too late.

Identifying the critters

So, what exactly is it that you need to look out for? Because we all know it’s not always easy to identify certain insects. Well, in the case of this brown bug, it sports six legs and has a rounded body. Plus, the little critter has a pretty unique back that resembles an old shield.

Look up

When they’re fully grown, these brown insects are around 0.7 inches – so, pretty tiny! Though this won’t stop them from wreaking havoc in your backyard if they go undetected. And it’s not just the ground you need to pay close attention to, as these little bugs have wings.

Not just outside

But a further word of caution: these insects aren’t just content with roaming in your garden. They can crop up in your house, too. From the curtains to cracks in the walls, they’ll get everywhere if you’re not too careful. And no one wants that, right? To be blunt, infestations suck.

An awful name

So by now, you’re probably wondering what these little critters are called. Their species is named Halyomorpha halys – otherwise known as the brown marmorated stink bug. Not the most flattering of labels, is it? But given the problems they cause, they’ve no doubt heard worse from angry gardeners and homeowners!

Not from these parts

Interestingly, the brown marmorated stink bug isn’t a native species to the Western world – although they have cropped up in the United States and the United Kingdom. They actually originate from Asia. And before branching out, the insects once called Japan, Taiwan, China and Korea home.

An invasive species

If you haven’t already guessed, the stink bug is an invasive species. But how did they manage to break out of Asia and spread across the globe? Well, one expert thinks he knows the answer – particularly when it comes to the critters’ appearance in the U.K. His name is Max Barclay, and he’s the head of the Coleoptera collection at the National History Museum.

Traveling west

In Barclay’s opinion, which he gave to The Guardian in March 2021, the stink bug probably made its way to Britain after hitching a ride on some overseas cargo or shipments. Talk about an unwanted stowaway! Yet there’s more to it than that, as it’s not like the critters would have just jumped aboard for the fun of it.

Looking for a snug spot

As Barclay explained to The Guardian, stink bugs aren’t active when the colder months roll around. So they look for a cozy place to hide until the temperature improves outside. This process is referred to as “diapause.” It’s essentially a form of hibernation for the tiny insects. And a container full of cargo would seem awfully snug now, wouldn’t it?

Where they thrive

But there’s a larger issue at play here. Not only do stink bugs prefer warmer environments, but they thrive in them. And as we continue to deal with climate change, they could take advantage. Yep, if nations keep getting warmer year after year, that might open the door for the invasive species to become an even bigger menace.

Unsettling predictions

And that fear was underlined when a group of specialists shared their research in the International Journal of Biometeorology in August 2020. They were able to estimate that at the turn of the 2100s, around half of Switzerland could also be a perfect home for the bugs. As we’ve seen, getting there wouldn’t really be a challenge for the little critters.

Stink bug expert

One of the specialists involved in the research worked for the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, otherwise known as CABI. His name is Dr. Tim Haye, and he’s an authority on all things stink bug. What an accolade! Jokes aside, Dr. Haye shared some key findings with the CABI website in September 2020.

Impact of climate change

Dr. Haye explained, “There is strong evidence that climate change is already modifying species.” And he mentioned how it impacts things like how many stink bugs are produced each year, where they end up, and even their life cycles. “It is evident that the number of non-native species will increase and that climate change will promote their establishment. The north-western part of Switzerland could become completely suitable for H. halys.” Look out, Swiss citizens, they’re coming for you, too!

Taking over

“Southwards, the projected range expansion would reach the foothills of the Alps,” Dr. Haye continued. “And higher latitudes in the alpine valleys could become suitable under future climate conditions. Monitoring the spread and population development in the north-western part of Switzerland, and higher altitudes of the valleys in the south, are recommended.” So it won’t be long before we start seeing these bugs all over the world!

What’s happening in the U.S.

Concerning stuff, wouldn’t you agree? Sure, the 2100s are some way off yet, but that’s not a reason to relax. You only need to look at the situation already at play in America. It’s no joke how quickly these stink bugs are spreading across the country —proving that things can get out of hand in a hurry.

First sighting

So when did the stink bug turn up in the States? Well, according to PestWorld.org, someone stumbled across the insect back in 1996. It was found in Allentown, Pennsylvania. But the confirmation of its identity didn’t come for another five years. Until then, no one in America knew what this bizarre little creature actually was.

Where they’re settling

Meanwhile, the stink bugs ran roughshod in the eastern part of the country. They hit New Jersey and then went on to settle in Virginia in 2004. And in recent times, the insects have migrated to North Carolina. Worryingly, that’s just a fraction of their nationwide movements.

How many states?!

Because stink bugs have made themselves at home in... wait for it... 44 states. 44! And that’s only taken them 25 years! It’s an incredible feat, really, when you think of the size of the U.S. Now we can’t help but wonder: how long until the final six join the list?

Why “stink” bug?

Should that day come, those residents will quickly realize why Halyomorpha halys is known as the stink bug. Yes, similar to a skunk, the critters fire out a pungent scent if they feel like they’re in danger. And, apparently, the fumes can cover a few inches of their surrounding space.

The unique smell

Weirdly, some say the scent smells like various herbs and spices – cilantro, more specifically. Though The Guardian reported that the stench was closer to that of almonds. But if finding out the truth means agitating a stink bug, then we’d rather not.

Not the only concern

Yet you really shouldn’t ignore these critters if you spot them in your yard, as their smell will be the least of your concerns. Stink bugs munch on garden plants and crops, you see. They’re big fans of veggies and fruit in particular. And you’ll be stunned at the damage they do for such a tiny bug.

Ruining crops

Okay, then. Brace yourself. The Guardian reported that American farmers lost nearly $40 million worth of apples to the critters back in 2010. That’s unbelievable, right? But just to be clear, they didn’t eat all the fruit down to the core.

Evidence to look out for

Instead, the stink bugs left gnarly brown stains behind in the areas that they munched on. Those apples, unsurprisingly, then became useless. The creatures do the same thing to all the other crops they target, such as cucumbers or grapes. And people in the U.K. are particularly concerned about the latter at the moment.

Gross wine

Why grapes, you ask? Well, should a group of stink bugs invade a grape crop, their odor can ruin entire batches of wine. Given that U.K. wine businesses are on the rise right now, that’s a terrifying thought. For both those in the business and wine lovers, of course!

What can be done?

Given all that these stink bugs are capable of, we can’t help but wonder: has anything been done to get rid of them? Max Barclay shared some rather bleak news while speaking to The Guardian in March 2021. According to him, there’s no way to wipe out an invasive species like this one. And he drew comparisons to another insect in the U.K.

“Everywhere”

“[The stink bugs] establish [themselves] pretty quickly,” Barclay said. “We’ve seen this in a lot of invasive species before. You find one or two and then they are everywhere. The harlequin ladybird from China arrived in [the United Kingdom in] 2006, and now they are enormously abundant.” Try not to worry, though.

Protecting your home

Just because large-scale efforts to terminate the stink bugs won’t work, that doesn’t mean you can’t clear your garden of them. With a few clever tricks and effective methods, you should be able to protect your plants and crops from the pest. You can also shield your home as well, ensuring that they can’t get in.

Weeding

To start with, check your yard for unwanted weeds. Stink bugs use these bits of greenery to conceal themselves in the garden. So tear them out of the soil, and move anything else that could double as a hideaway. Decorations, ornaments, that kind of stuff. Now it’s time to focus on your flowers.

DIY repellant

If the stink bugs have made their presence known, you can create a repellent that’ll soon clear them off. All you need is some kaolin clay solution – that’s the mineral form of clay – a couple of gallons of water and 15 milliliters of dish soap, says website Gardening Know How. Stir them together and pop the mixture into a spray bottle.

Bugs don’t like it

Once you’re ready, get squirting. Gardening Know How claims that the stink bugs won’t munch on any flowers or crops that have been doused. Plus, it’ll stop them from dropping their eggs off into the fauna. Sounds like a win to us!

Rinse afterward

And don’t worry – the mixture won’t damage your flowers or any fruit and veg that you might be growing. Just be sure to run your garden hose over them when the stink bugs are gone. But if you’re looking for a more lethal solution to the problem, you could always invest in a “trap plant.”

Attracting with color

No, we’re not referring to a Venus flytrap! Normal plants can easily fulfill this role, depending on their color. You see, stink bugs are drawn to yellow flora. That could include mustard, garlic or sunflowers. Got any of those? If so, listen up.

Stink bug zone

Find an isolated spot in the garden that’s nowhere near your beloved plants. Then set the “trap” by planting them. The stink bugs should congregate on the colorful flower, leaving everything else behind and out of harm’s way. It’s up to you what happens next. You could just let the critters stay there, which will encourage other animals to pick them off.

Taking matters into your own hands

Or you might want to dispose of the plant once the stink bugs have moved in. To do that, just dig up the flower and put it into a garbage sack. Don’t throw that away, though. Stick it in a sunny spot, as the heat should kill the bugs after a couple of days or so.

Closing small gaps

As for your house, it’s a good idea to target any potential openings with a sealant. Stink bugs are apparently very good at looking for gaps in the windows and doors when they’re trying to get in. And given how small they are, it only has to be a tiny hole, so keep your eyes peeled.

Vacuum cleaner

Should the stink bugs manage to get in, though, don’t fret – you can still take care of them. All you need is a vacuum cleaner. Yes, there’s nothing wrong with sucking the insects up, providing that you dump the sack once you’re done. You really don’t want that smell to stick around!

Not the worst critter

So there you have it, folks. If your yard falls prey to stink bugs, these methods should go a long way to get rid of them. But these little insects aren’t necessarily the worst critters you’ll find in your backyard. Yep, there are plenty more where that came from. Just take a look at the list drawn up by the U.K.’s Royal Horticultural Society.

Ones to watch

The 2020 rankings included a mix of recognizable names and more obscure critters. The glasshouse mealybug and capsid bug landed in tenth place. Then, a few entries later, ants came in fourth. But the crown was awarded to snails and slugs – both of which just beat the hilariously named vine weevil.

Not on the list

Even though stink bugs didn’t make the cut this time around, a leading insect expert at the RHS warned that they may become regular entrants in future lists if we’re not too careful. His name is Andy Salisbury, and he went into more detail while speaking to the BBC in March 2021.

Ready for a fight

Salisbury said, “With gardens taking on a more important role in supporting well-being and the environment, it’s important that research into management and mitigation of them continues. And our rankings help inform this focus. It’s also imperative that we continue to anticipate future threats such as the marmorated stink bug to protect our gardens.” So we hope you’re ready for the fight.

Spotting little eggs

Yep, if this process tells us anything, it’s that there’s much more to gardening than simply doing a bit of digging and sprinkling some seeds in the soil. You’ve got to have your wits about you – and not just for those pesky bugs. That’s right: keep your eyes peeled for these tiny little eggs, too. And if you see any, here’s what you need to do.

Home improvements

With spring in the air, you see, people often choose to spend more time outside. Some may soak up the sun at the beach, while others head for the park. However, for some, it’s the perfect time of year to carry out home improvements.

Sorting the back yard

And with the sun in the sky, that means sorting out the yard ready for summer. After all, a winter of neglect would doubtless have left many lawns in desperate need of TLC. So across the country, homeowners will pull on their gardening gloves. But before they do anything, they should know to look out for these little eggs.

$105 billion

Incidentally, horticulture is big business in the United States. One study, for example, found that of all the homeowners in the country, half will have gardened in the previous year. In 2020 alone, in fact, American households spent some $105 billion on their lawns.

Words of warning

When you next get the urge to fix up your yard, remember the words of warning from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The organization is worried about the impact gardeners could be having on the country’s native wildlife.

The mission

The USFWS was formed in 1940 and is dedicated to the conservation of American wildlife and plants. It also looks after natural habitats where native creatures can be found. The agency’s mission is, “Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.”

Up and down the country

In order to fulfill this mission, the USFWS has a dedicated workforce of 9,000 people. The agency’s administrative base is in Falls Church, Virginia. However, it relies on eight regional offices and almost 700 field offices situated up and down the country to carry out its important work.

Working with the public

However, given that most U.S. wildlife and fish habitats exist on private or non-federal state land, the organization also relies heavily on its work with private groups. Through some of these partnerships, the agency promotes restoration and conservation efforts as voluntary endeavors. And it also relies on the support of the public to keep wildlife safe.

Social media

With that in mind, the USFWS often uses its social media pages to urge people to assist its conservation efforts. The agency has over 600,000 followers on Facebook alone. As a result, the platform provides a great method of relaying important information to the public, particularly on how they can help maintain habitats and protect wildlife.

A focus for Spring

In springtime, the USFWS turns some of its attention to the protection of nesting birds. Raising their young can be a stressful experience for the creatures. As such, the wildlife agency asks the public to be mindful of their habitats and stay away from nests as much as they possibly can.

Keeping a “respectful distance”

In a statement posted to the USFWS website in 2016, the agency explained, “By maintaining a respectful distance from the bird nests, we can help ensure that the birds will not be sensitive to disturbance since if they feel threatened they may even abandon young. We certainly don’t want to detract from the incubation process and we don’t want to interfere with them in their home.”

Finding mates

During the spring months, many North American bird species are in the process of finding mates. And in preparation for raising their young, they create nests that will serve as incubators for their eggs and nurseries for their offspring. Consequently, they are very important habitats indeed.

Keeping your eyes peeled

Given all the above, it wouldn’t be considered unusual for garden owners to come across birds’ nests on their property during the spring. If this happens, it’s important for them to know that many nests are protected by the law. This is because they are considered “active” during the breeding season, according to the USFWS website.

Illegal behavior

By definition, an “active” nest is one that is currently being used by birds or contains their eggs. Because of the wildlife protections that are in place, it’s illegal for anyone to disturb an active bird’s nest. Furthermore, if you have an exceptional circumstance that requires you to move such an item, you must apply for a special permit.

Heavy consequences

For some protected bird species, the laws regarding their nests are even stricter. For instance, it’s illegal to tamper with the nests of golden eagles or bald eagles – whether they’re occupied or not. Breaking the law in this instance can result in a fine of up to $500,000 and two years in prison.

Easy to spot — thankfully

Luckily, many eagle nests are hard to miss. Bald eagles, for example, return to the same nest each year. As a result, they create huge, sturdy structures in which to raise their young. According to the USFWS website, the largest known eagle nest had a depth of 20 feet and weighed a mighty two tons.

Tiny nests

Given the size of eagles nests, it’s unlikely that someone would accidentally disturb one while tending to their garden. However, other bird species are not so lucky. That’s because their nests are so small, they can easily go unnoticed and perhaps unintentionally end up in harm’s way.

Be careful

So at the turn of spring, one of the USFWS’ concerns comes in the form of some little eggs. Yes, it has warned gardeners to be mindful of the “jelly bean”-sized objects when attending to their lawns. Special care, it says, is especially called for when trimming back shrubs and bushes.

A human thumbnail

The eggs in question are curious objects, indeed. No bigger than a human thumbnail, these tiny, white orbs contain something quite magical. They are incubated in a nest the size of a table tennis ball for a little over two weeks, during which time their mother will do her best to ward off any predators, even dive-bombing them in order to keep her babies safe.

One of the smallest bird types

Now, although the eggs in question are small, they are nonetheless very important. That’s because they belong to hummingbirds. The species exists throughout the Americas and is, of course, famous for being one of the smallest bird types on the planet.

Hiding away

While adult hummingbirds each weigh between two and 20 grams, the creatures’ eggs can be as light as half a gram apiece. So needless to say, they are incredibly fragile, and expectant birds will often hide their nests in shrubs and trees in a bid to keep them safe.

Nest making

Typically, female birds will construct their nests between ten and 90 feet off the ground. They use materials such as plant fibers, twigs, leaves and spider silk to each build a small cup on a branch. Thanks to these materials, the nests are stretchy, enabling them to grow with the birds’ families.

Still tiny

However, the resulting structure is still tiny. Usually, a female will only build a nest big enough to hatch two of her minuscule eggs. That’s because she will only tend to lay a pair of eggs at any given time.

What happens after hatching?

Once their eggs have hatched, hummingbird moms will continue to care for their young in their nests. This includes finding food for her babies which will help to sustain them. Hummingbird diets are mostly made up of sugary nectar, which provides food for their high metabolisms.

Feeding the babies

However, hummingbird hatchlings also require a protein source to bring their muscles along and to help them grow. As a result, their mom will retrieve soft insects such as greenfly and small arachnids to feed to them. Furthermore, she may even steal insect eggs in a bid to keep her offspring going.

Up to one month

While baby hummingbirds grow big and strong, their tiny nest provides them with much-needed shelter from the dangers of the outside world. Their mothers will often perch herself on top of them for added protection. They remain in their nest for 18 to 28 days after hatching, before they graduate to fledglings.

Bigger birds, bigger nest

As the baby hummingbirds grow, so too does their nest; females often use spider silk as part of its construction. As a result, the amazing structure has the ability to stretch as its contents expand. The mother bird will also continue to patch the nest up, to ensure it can withstand her flourishing fledglings.

What to look out for

As a result of their size, then, hummingbird nests can be pretty hard to spot. From below, each of the nests will simply resemble a lump on a branch, while from above, a canopy of leaves usually shelters them. From a side view, meanwhile, they each look like a small knot.

Sheltered areas

Hummingbirds prefer shielded spots to build their nests, so that they can raise their young in safety. They seek particular shelter from the elements – rain, sun and wind – and predators. As a result, optimum locations for their nests include dense bushes and between forked tree branches.

Testing, testing

In order to find a suitable location for her nest, a female hummingbird may repeatedly land on a potential spot in order to test if it’s stable. For it to be deemed acceptable, the perch must be able to support the mother’s weight as well as that of her nest and her growing babies.

Unusual locations

However, given the tiny size of hummingbirds, many perching spots are strong enough to withstand the weight of a female and her offspring. As a result, it’s not unusual for the birds to pick unexpected places to build their nests. Some of these unique locations include clotheslines and even on strings of outdoor lighting.

Everyday items

According to anecdotal evidence, hummingbirds have also been known to build their tiny nests on top of other everyday items found around the home. These include on top of security cameras, soccer goal posts and basketball nets. They have even been found on cactuses, where spikes provide an extra form of protection.

Stay away

So it is important to be cautious about disturbing these precious structures, especially when trimming back foliage or moving outdoors items around. However, if gardeners do stumble upon hummingbird nests, they should stay well away. As previously indicated, in spring the law protects birds’ nests, after all.

Protect the birds

Remember, messing with nests is actually against the law, because at this time of year the nests are active. Of course, this measure helps protect any eggs and newborn fledglings. This protection is key for all out feathered friends but it is particularly important when it comes to hummingbirds.

Endangered

That’s because hummingbird populations currently face a number of threats, and almost 15 percent of all hummingbird species now face extinction. It would be a crying shame, then, to lose such a fantastic bird from our skies.

Amazing creatures

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures. For example, they are the only birds that can fly backwards, while they have earned their name from the noise that their wings make as they beat at up to 5,400 times a minute in flight. This super-fast beating uses up so much energy that the extraordinary creatures spend most of their time resting in trees.

You’ll need binoculars

However, this doesn’t make it any easier for birdwatchers to spot them. They are, as mentioned, among the smallest birds in existence, often weighing less than a nickel. In fact, the tiniest species – the bee hummingbird – is just one inch long and weighs only two grams.

Big hearts

But while they may be small, they are certainly mighty in other ways. Relative to their bodies, hummingbirds’ hearts are actually the largest of all animals. Furthermore, when they migrate, the birds can cover an impressive 500 miles, flying non-stop for 20 hours.

A lot of food

To maintain their energy, then, hummingbirds can each consume twice their body weight in food in just one day. And to achieve this, the birds’ tongues are able to contract and protract a dizzying 13 times every second. That’s bad news for the thousands of tiny insects they can each eat every day alongside their staple diet of nectar.

Proceed with caution

Hummingbirds certainly are incredible creatures. And with their populations in decline, we as humans surely must do everything we can to protect them. So before you hack away at your shrubs and bushes in the garden this spring, be sure to check for miniature eggs and nests first.