Green stink bugs, scientifically known as Chinavia hilaris, are common, shield-shaped insects, typically bright green and measuring 13 to 18 millimeters. They are frequently found across North America in diverse environments such as orchards, home gardens, woodlands, and agricultural fields.
Do Green Stink Bugs Bite?
Green stink bugs do not bite humans. Their mouthparts are not designed for biting human skin, nor do they aim to harm people or pets, and they are not known to transmit diseases.
These insects possess specialized mouthparts, a proboscis, which is a slender, straw-like structure typically kept tucked beneath their body. This proboscis functions as a piercing-sucking tool, allowing them to penetrate plant tissues. They then use it to draw out essential fluids and sap from various plant parts, including leaves, stems, and especially developing seeds and fruits.
Their mouthparts differentiate them from biting insects, which possess mandibles for chewing. Green stink bugs lack the structures to inflict a painful bite. Any sensation perceived as a “bite” from a green stink bug is rarely and generally not a true feeding attempt. While an accidental, defensive poke from their proboscis might occur if an individual handles them carelessly, their biological adaptations are solely focused on consuming plant matter.
Understanding Their Behavior and Management
Green stink bugs are well-known for a unique defense mechanism: the release of a foul-smelling liquid when they feel threatened or are disturbed. This pungent odor, which has been described as similar to cilantro, originates from specialized scent glands located on the underside of their thorax. The chemical release serves as an effective deterrent, discouraging potential predators.
Beyond their defensive odor, green stink bugs are recognized as significant agricultural pests. They feed on a wide variety of cultivated plants, including economically important crops such as soybeans, tomatoes, peaches, cotton, and corn. Their feeding activity can result in considerable damage, manifesting as dimpling, discoloration, and deformities in fruits, ultimately reducing crop quality and yield.
When encountering green stink bugs indoors, it is advisable to avoid squashing them to prevent the release of their characteristic odor. Instead, gentle physical removal methods are effective. Individuals can carefully pick them up using a tissue or bag and release them outdoors, or drop them into a container of soapy water for disposal.
Preventing their entry into homes is also an effective strategy. Sealing cracks around windows and doors, and ensuring screens are intact, can significantly reduce their presence indoors. In garden settings, maintaining good hygiene by managing weeds and clearing plant debris can help deter them from establishing large populations.