How to get rid of stink bugs? These control methods are simple and effective

The stink bug, also known as the nine-fragrance insect (Aspongopus chinensis), is a very common insect in daily life. It usually appears in large numbers in places with lights, and it is very annoying. So how do you get rid of stink bugs?

1. How to get rid of stink bugs?

Try to apply insect-killing liquid to all the window screens and screen doors at home and close them properly, then spray high-concentration camphor ball water on the gaps to effectively block their source. If there are trees or similar plants outside the house, you can spray specialized pesticides for control and promptly remove branches and debris. In addition, you can place some fly sticky boards or mouse glue boards in places where stink bugs frequently appear, which can also effectively eliminate them.

2. Is the stench of stink bugs toxic?

The stench of stink bugs is toxic and may cause skin inflammation. The stench they release is a compound called quinone, which has an irritating odor and is toxic. This is due to a biochemical reaction that occurs at the moment the insect discharges it. This beetle has a special defensive organ in its body, composed of some specific tissues and glands. One of them is a collecting sac that collects the secreted reactants hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide, then discharges them through a valve into the explosion chamber. The explosion chamber is also a sac-like structure, with many enzyme-secreting glands on its walls. When reactants are discharged into the explosion chamber, the enzyme glands immediately secrete hydrogen peroxide. At this point, it is as if a chemical laboratory has been set up inside the beetle's body: catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, and peroxidase converts hydroquinone into toxic benzoquinone. Scientists have observed that this reaction has an “explosive force”, thus, accompanied by a hissing sound of ejection, it sprays the reactant, a kind of scorching-hot benzoquinone, onto the enemy. This reaction is a highly exothermic one, and the scorching benzoquinone is the main product of its defense system. In addition, the entire compound is also a highly irritating gas. According to measurements, the ejection temperature can reach 100°C. When the beetle sprays, it sometimes also emits a series of slight explosion sounds, just like the sound of a light machine gun firing. This is because at the end of the insect's abdomen there is a pair of small cannon-barrel-like openings. When the beetle suddenly encounters a strong enemy, it can adjust this muzzle to any direction and fire repeatedly at the intruder.

Overall, stink bugs are still quite easy to eliminate. As long as you apply insect-killing liquid to window screens and screen doors or place camphor balls in the gaps, you can effectively block their source. Of course, you can also place some fly sticky boards in places where they frequently appear, which can also reduce stink bugs.