Green Stink Bugs

We have been seeing a lot of Green Stink Bugs lately.  They seem to have taken over residential patios and gas station pumps during the night. These green stink bugs are large and have an oval shape, often referred to as shield shaped.  Their bright green color makes them hard to miss.
You can probable guess how the stink bug got its name.  Stink bugs get their name from the unpleasant odor of a chemical they produce and they will release this foul smelling chemical if threatened or crushed. So think about that before you go stomping on a stink bug!
Stink bugs use their sharp mouth parts to pierce plants and suck juices from it.  Most stink bugs don’t cause a tremendous amount of plant damage, unless their population gets out of hand. They will feed on flowers, leaves, stems and fruits.  They can become a pest inside the home as well.  Stink bugs may find their way into the home while they are looking for shelter for warmth during the colder months.  You may start to notice them inside during late summer or fall.  If you do find a stink bug in your home, remember they will release a very unpleasant odor if crushed.  You could use a vacuum to remove them from the home but be aware that they may release that odor or get crushed inside the vacuum, leaving you with a foul smelling vacuum.  A different approach could catch and release them outside.
Like most other pests, stink bugs will likely find their way into the home through small cracks, gaps and torn or missing screens. The best thing you can do is to be preventative.  Walk your property and check window screens, door sweeps, and foundation vents. Repair or replace damaged screens, caulk can be used to seal off any gaps or cracks.