Bugs that look like stink bugs
People ask what are the bugs that look like stink bugs? Well, there are several bugs that look like sting bugs. Here is a list of the five common types of bugs that are mistaken for stink bugs.
- The first type is the Boxelder Bugs. They have flattened oval-shaped bodies with tapering at the end. They are similar to stink bugs in their behavior. Like stink bugs, boxelder bugs are attracted to warm surfaces, which is why you may find them gathered on the walls during colder months. Although they are not considered dangerous to us or pets, they can do some damage to your plants and trees. If disturbed, these bugs secrete a dye that stains and leaves an unpleasant, musty odor. So how do you tell if it’s a boxelder or a stink bug? You can tell them apart by their color and shape. Stink bugs are longer with a wider body and the Boxelder bugs are slightly smaller.
- The Second type of stink bug would be the Western Conifer Seed Bug Western conifer seed bugs have pale white zig-zag stripes under their wings. Western Conifer seed bugs are known for the unpleasant smell they emit when disturbed, just as stink bugs do. Another reason you will mistakenly call the western conifer seed bug a stink bug is that these two species have similar behaviors. They are both active in early spring and may congregate around your home looking for a place to overwinter. Once they find a crack or a potential opening, they will attempt to squeeze through. Both species are harmless to humans and will not bite or sting.
- Another type of stink bug would be the Squash Bug. Squash bugs are mostly found in gardens, vegetable patches, and other places where squash or pumpkins are grown. They feed on plant leaves, vines and juices and lay their eggs at the base of the stems. People often mistake this bug for a stink bug because of their color. They are similar, however the Squash bug is brown or gray with a more elongated body. Stink bugs also appear larger than stink bugs.
- The Leaf-Footed Bug is also often confused with stink bugs. They both have similar life cycles and share the same behavior of overwintering as adults. They are often found in weedy areas, leaf litter, and under the bark of trees. Both species feed with piercing-sucking mouthparts and can actually damage almond trees. It is possible to tell them apart by looking at their legs.
- The Kissing Bug is another type of stink bug. Kissing bugs have dark brown or black wings with orange, red, or yellow stripes around the edges. This bug looks most like the stink bug. The reason they are called kissing bugs is because they bite near our mouths. They aren’t painful but can transmit diseases. They can spread through foods and drinks. Both bugs have brown-to-black coloring and lighter markings along the edges of their body.
Type of stink bugs
There are many different types of stink bugs throughout the world. They get their name for the odor they release from glands in their abdomen when they feel threatened. Many refer to them as the “shield bug.” Most stink bugs are considered more of a nuisance, but some can cause damage to gardens and crops. Stink bugs mate in the spring hibernate in the winter.
The following are several types of stink bugs. Brown marmorated stink bugs, found in the United States but native to China. Harlequin bugs are found coast to coast in the United States. Southern green stink bugs are found mostly in the southern states. Rice stink bugs are found from the rocky Mountains to New York. Forest bugs are also a type of stink bug that are found in forests or woodland areas worldwide. However, not all types of stink bugs do damage. Some prey on other insects that can damage your gardens and crops.
Stink Bugs in Maine
There are 8 types of stink bugs found in Maine. However, not all of them stink. They actually spray their stink juice from holes all over their body when afraid as a defense mechanism or if you step on them.
Eight types of stink bugs found in Maine:
- The Brown Marmorated stink bug. This stink bug in Maine gets the award for being the biggest pest in Maine. Brown on top and creamy whitish brown on the bottom. You will find them in gardens, parks and fields. This stink bug will not bite you or your pets.
- Another type of stink bug found in Maine is the Green Burgundy Stink Bug. These guys have a front that is green or yellow and are abundant throughout Maine. They are usually found on trees and shrubs. However, they are prey to wasps and flies.
- Number three on the list is the Blue Shield bug. These are definitely the pretties of all the stink bugs in Maine. They have a metallic blue-green shield and a dark wings. During their nymph stage they are red and black looking somewhat like a ladybug.
- Number 4 on the list is the Rough Stink Bug. Their colors vary from brown, gray, and blackish gray with stripes and orange spots. They are also known as the Four-Humped Stink Bug and are one most common stink bugs throughout Maine. Unfortunately they east many crops, such as corn, apples and soybeans.
- Spined Soldier Bug is beneficial since they eat many other bugs. This stink bug is common throughout Maine and would benefit your garden. They east caterpillars, gypsy moths and beetles They are brown with a spine on each shoulder with yellowish legs.
- The Black and red stink bug has two spots of orange or red on their abdomen with a black body. They are widespread and may find them crawling among leaf litter in the Spring. They eat plants, asparagus, oats, mint and goldenrod.
- Mormidea Lugens are small in size bronze and black with a tannish-white V shape mark on their shield. They can be found from the Caribbean all the way up to Maine. They can be found in grasses and on plants.
- Finally, the Anchor Stink Bug. This bug colors vary. They can be black with white, pink, orange, red or solid black. They also have a U-shaped shield on their abdomen. The Anchor Sting Bug can be found on various herbaceous plants such as coneflowers and most annual plants. They feed on beetle larvae and caterpillars. Unfortunately, they are a predator of the Monarch Butterfly caterpillars.
Pest Control Southern Maine
People ask, where can we find Pest Control in Southern Maine? Residents in Southern Maine can rely on Green Shield Pest Solutions. We will make sure your stink bug problems are handled quickly and effectively with the combination of techniques that our experienced technicians have acquired. Contact us today to find out more about our services and to schedule your Southern Maine home for a thorough inspection.