Nashville’s Stink Bug Season: Who’s Really Bugging You?

It’s about to get stinky this fall! Do you recognize these Nashville stink bugs?

Pests in the Nashville area range from mosquitoes and ticks that bug us mainly spring and summer, to plentiful autumn pests like spiders and stink bugs. When we mention stink bugs, generally we probably think about the brown marmorated stink bug, but it’s not the only species you might encounter here. There are other varieties out here – some you might have seen but not even realized they’re a stink bug at all.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Nashville

This militant, shield-shaped brown nuisance reigns supreme in the Nashville area. Native to Asia, they’ve made a name for themselves here in the United States over the last 30 years, rapidly spreading into areas, like Middle Tennessee. These highly recognizable stink bugs have marbled brown bodies. They don’t bite us, but they’re notorious, nonetheless.

Probably most notable for their propensity to invade our homes in large numbers at the first sign of cool weather, this invasive species can cause massive agricultural damage if left unchecked.

Other Nashville Stink Bugs You Might Not Know

There are other stink bug species here in the Nashville area too, which shouldn’t be counted out. There are the green stink bug and brown stink bug, red-shouldered stink bug, and the spined soldier bug – all different from our brown marmorated friends.

You might have seen the green stink bug among your tomato plants this summer or the brown stink bug in your crop fields. Both these species are more likely to be seen away from your home, as they are less household invader than the brown marmorated stink bug. If you have soybean or cotton fields specifically, you might have run across the red-shouldered stink bug.

And perhaps to your surprise, the spined soldier bug can actually be a beneficial pest. Like dragonflies, these stink bugs offer a bit of their own brand of natural pest control, eating caterpillars and beetle larvae.

Do All Stink Bugs Smell the Same?

Depending on who you ask, stink bugs smell of a very pungent aroma of skunk, rancid meat, burnt rubber, or cilantro. It varies not only by the person and stink bug species, but also the situation in which the smell is emitted. The characteristics and intensity can vary, ranging from spicy to acrid – among others.

As you might imagine, the chemical released from stink bug glands is used as a defense mechanism to deter predators. But what you might not know about the stink that comes from stink bugs is that it is also used to communicate using pheromones to provide their location or to signal danger to other stink bugs. Perhaps even more surprisingly, these same chemicals can lo provide antimicrobial protection for their exoskeleton.

Scientifically, this all makes them seem pretty cool – but nobody really wants them invading their home or business this fall. Call Mosquito Squad of Nashville for highly effective stink bug control in late summer and autumn. Our granular pest control can help you control the massive influx of stink bugs not only now – but those that emerge in the spring too!

Choose Mosquito Squad for pest control Nashville!

Mosquito Squad treats mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and many more outdoor pests throughout the Nashville TN area! Contact us today at (615) 492-3662 or fill out our online form for your complimentary Nashville mosquito control assessment and treatment quote.

Also Read: Why Don't We See Stink Bugs in the Summer?