The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), an invasive species, has become a common household nuisance, particularly as it seeks sheltered places to overwinter. Upon finding one of these shield-shaped insects, the immediate reaction for many homeowners is to simply flush the pest down the toilet. This method seems like a quick and definitive solution for disposal. However, relying on this technique is generally ineffective for ensuring the insect’s demise, prompting the question of whether a stink bug can truly survive a trip through the plumbing system.
Biological Resistance to Water Immersion
The physiological characteristics of the stink bug provide it with a surprising degree of resistance to simple drowning. Like other insects, the BMSB breathes through tiny openings called spiracles, located along its abdomen and thorax, which connect to the internal tracheal system. When submerged in water, the stink bug possesses the ability to close these spiracles, effectively sealing off its respiratory system. This mechanism dramatically slows the drowning process, allowing the insect to survive without oxygen for extended periods. Furthermore, the bug’s robust exoskeleton is coated with a natural, waxy layer that repels water, making the insect buoyant and difficult to fully immerse.
The Environmental Hazards of Plumbing Systems
While the stink bug’s biology protects it from plain water, the plumbing environment introduces specific factors that can overcome its defenses. The true mechanism for a stink bug’s demise is the breakdown of its waxy, water-repellent coating, not simple drowning. Household detergents and soaps contain surfactants, which are compounds that break down the surface tension of water and the insect’s protective wax layer. When the waxy coating is compromised, water floods the spiracles, neutralizing the bug’s ability to seal them off and causing rapid asphyxiation. Without soap or detergent present, a stink bug is highly likely to survive the initial flush and the subsequent anaerobic conditions of the sewer system.
Effective and Recommended Removal Methods
Given the unreliability of flushing, more scientifically sound and definitive methods should be used to ensure a stink bug’s complete removal. The most effective non-toxic approach involves leveraging the surfactant effect of common dish soap. A simple solution of water mixed with a few teaspoons of liquid dish detergent creates a lethal trap for the bugs. The insects can be gently swept or knocked directly into this container of soapy water, where the detergent immediately penetrates their protective coating and causes them to drown quickly.
Vacuuming
Another highly practical method is the use of a vacuum cleaner to physically remove the insects from walls and ceilings. While the vacuum may temporarily acquire the stink bug’s characteristic odor, this technique guarantees the insect’s capture. This also prevents the release of the defensive odor into the room, provided the vacuum bag is immediately sealed and disposed of.