More Stink Bugs. 🙀🙄
"Oh no, not another stink bug!" you might exclaim. Lately, stink bugs have been making themselves more noticeable.
This summer, in the Okanagan region, we are witnessing a surge in conchuela bugs on many crops. It is important to note that these are not the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB), which are found in certain areas of Kelowna and along the Coast. The conchuela stink bugs have been present in BC for a while, but their population seems to be booming this year. However, we might not see as many of them next year.
Damage:
These stink bugs are mainly being spotted in raspberry plantings. They might be responsible for the white drupelets on the berries, but this damage can also be caused by sunscald. Both types of damage fall under the term "white drupelet disorder."
It is worth mentioning that while they are not known to damage raspberries, they do cause damage to blackberries. Stink bugs feed on the fruit receptacle of the blackberry (the white part at the center of the fruit), resulting in localized damage to one or two drupelets (white drupelet disorder). Moreover, while feeding, stink bugs can inject their "stink" into the fruit, which might make the blackberry taste like how a stink bug smells.
Management:
Dealing with these stink bugs might not require immediate action. They are challenging to eliminate with pesticides registered for homeowner use in British Columbia. While you can try setting up traps, this year's abundance of stink bugs may make it difficult to make a significant impact on their population.
Using row covers can be an effective way to keep them away from your crops. You can purchase these covers at grower supply stores or most garden centers. The key is to put them up before the insects start flying. Understanding the stink bugs' lifecycle is essential for proper timing in placing the row cover on your crop.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) and western conifer seed bugs are the two types that tend to enter our homes in the fall. The best approach is to exclude them by sealing all cracks and openings leading into the house. In case they find their way in, using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the insects inside can be quite effective. Another way to trap them inside is to fill a roasting pan with water and add a few drops of dish soap. Point a light into the pan overnight, and it can help trap the stink bugs.
Happy gardening! 🌻🍅