There was a past thread or two on this topic. I believe Surround is a worthwhile control for stinkbugs. I found out by accident last spring when I noticed the only peaches getting stinkbugs damage were the ones I had missed the Surround spray on. So I do think there is an effective method there. Surround is not the greatest stuff to put on your fruit however because it is hard to wash off (but, it is edible so its not going to hurt you to eat it).

This year I am trying another strategy, I am patrolling their favorite hangouts (the peach trees at this point in the year) and squishing all the bugs in the earlier summer before populations are high. I am also on the lookout for their eggs under leaves and am stomping on any egg clusters. I don't know if it will end up helping a lot, we will see. I would like to avoid having to put Surround down later this year. I believe stinkbugs are social feeders in that they tend to feed in groups (possibly helped by how eggs are laid in groups as well so the group is the brothers and sisters). For this reason they tend to be fairly localized earlier in the summer so squishing can perhaps be effective. Someone mentioned they can be knocked into soapy water if you don't want to squish them. I prefer to squish them with a glove because I know I will get the bug every single time.

Scott

Hi Scott,
Surround is an option for sure and detergent water would be tact as well.

You may want to research that "squishing" idea. While satisfying to me to "squish", it has been explained to me that the odor attracts other BMSBs and may also be a beacon marker for next year. Also, while our regions may be 1 generation a year, I believe they can be 5 generations a year in China. (their origin).

For residential purposes I have asked a local exterminator for the past 2 seasons to treat my structures due to the volume of BMSBs clinging daily to the house on an eastern wall in for a time period of about 4-5 weeks beginning around Sept 15. His claim is that in order for him to be effective, he would have to spray every couple days because there has been nothing currently available with effective residual.

Understand, at my location, at this time, there is very, very little evidence of BMSB. Come mid to late September, they come out of the forest and the woods with a vengeance. So, for the most part, anything harvested prior at this point, I'm betting will be safe. However, my large concern is peak pressure at the typical apple harvest time is going to be difficult, especially with pre-harvest intervals. (I know, noob with a new techie word... PHI)

Chad

Chad, I'm not sure the beacon from squishing is a bad thing - you set the beacon spot and check it regularly, keep squishing, more show up, more squishing so more beacon etc etc - you win. As long as the beacon is not attracting the bugs from too far. I used this to squish all of my Japanese beetles to death; they have a similar beacon pheromone. Of course there are many ways this could backfire so I am not suggesting it for anything other than an experiment.

Scott

Scott,
Just great, Michael357 has me tracking CAR galls in the spring and you have me squishing stinkbugs in the fall... kind of reminds me of "snipe" hunting when I was a kid.
Chad

Squashing stink bugs with your hands-----:YUCK: Your s/b's must not stink like ours in York!

Ha ha ha! The American stinky is a delicacy in indigenous Mexican fare. I mean, it's got this wintergreeney taste, it's hard to beat! You could sell 'em in restaurants or "stinkbug stands"

In Southwest VA there are purple traps hanging from trees to monitor populations. The Browns were dense indoors last winter, but I have yet to see one outside yet. Watching the tomatoes and Asian pears especially closely, no sightings yet.

There was supposed to be a pheromone trap out this year, but it hasn't made it to market.

I think the purple traps are for the emerald ash borer.