Brown Stink Bugs and Vegetable Plants

Peppers and tomatoes are the most common vegetables affected by brown stink bugs.

Brown stink bugs, native to Asia, invade many homes and gardens in Northeastern United States during the fall. These bugs are classified as invasive species and feed upon many types of vegetables, fruits and nuts.

Common Vegetables

Brown stink bugs are shield-shaped bugs named for their tendency to omit foul-smelling odors when disturbed, according to the Maine state website. While the brown stink bug is more commonly found on fruit, it does affect tomatoes, peppers and corn, according to the University of Maryland.

Damage to Plants

Brown stink bugs dine on plants by inserting their mouths into the flesh of fruits and vegetables. These pests then suck out the plant sap, according to the University of Florida website. The plants become more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections, according to the University of Maryland. Brown stink bugs also contribute to "cloudyspot" damage on peppers and tomatoes, which causes white to black spots to form on the flesh of the vegetables.

Control

The major problem with brown stink bugs is that they are difficult to control. Insecticides may effectively kill stink bug nymphs but are rarely effective on adults, according to the University of Maryland. If brown stink bugs appear in the garden, remove any mulch and set stink bug traps around the perimeter.

References

• University of Florida: The Brown Stink Bug
• University of Maryland: Grow It, Eat It
• Maine: Stink Bugs