Worst Winter Killing Off Stinkbugs

The worst winter in memory in Virginia is destroying the population of Stinkbugs that have been plaguing the state for the past five years. Stinkbugs, for those who aren’t familiar, really do stink, but only when threatened. For instance, if you smash one, swat one, let a cat or dog try to eat one, they unleash an awful acidic stench. And also, if you try to squish it in your hand, that acid will actually burn the skin.

From NatGeo here:

The invasive insect, commonly called the brown marmorated stinkbug, has been plaguing homes and devouring agricultural crops in 38 states for years.

In January 2014, subfreezing temperatures had killed off 95 percent of the population.

Normally the bugs have a twofold strategy for dealing with cold weather: first holing up in those walls or attics, and then activating cryoprotectants in their body that act like antifreeze.

In weather this extreme, the stinkbug’s natural defense mechanisms may not be enough—even though they’re generally better adapted to colder climates.

Slaughtering stinkbugs is a great thing. But I’m not sure twelve weeks of snow and frigid temperatures are worth it.