Wisconsin Stink Bug Season Is Here: How To Clear Them Out

MILWAUKEE, WI — It's stink bug season in Wisconsin, and researchers say the foul-smelling insect has been steadily spreading in the state. And while they can damage crops — especially fruit-bearing plants — stink bugs have been known to sneak into home via tiny cracks and openings.

According to the University of Wisconsin Department of Entomology's Insect Diagnostic Lab, 28 counties have confirmed reports of the brown marmorated stink bug, and several others reported sightings. Researchers say stink bugs reproduce during the summer months. They hatch, and then reach maturity in fall. Stink bugs will seek shelter over the winter, and emerge in the spring.

"This insect has a strong foothold in the state and was confirmed in eight new counties in 2018 alone—Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Marquette, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau, and Waupaca counties," researchers said.

There is a DIY way to get rid of the yucky bug. A group of researchers from Virginia Tech University conducted a study that found that instead of a fancy contraption, all you need is a pan of water and a light to attract the bugs to their doom.

While store-bought stink bug traps can cost up to $50, the homemade trap is easy and cheap. This is all you need:

• A large pan (an aluminum foil one if you want to toss it, because honestly, who wants to reuse a pan that's had bugs floating in it?)
• Water and dish soap
• A light to attract the bugs

Researchers from Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences found the best way to get rid of the little buggers: Just fill a foil roasting pan with water and dish soap, and put a light over the pan to attract the bugs in a dark room. The trap eliminated 14 times more stink bugs than store-bought traps, the study found.

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