Stink Bugs To Cause Havoc To Hudson Valley Fruit Crops

[Shortline Bus]

Stink Bugs To Cause Havoc To Hudson Valley Fruit Crops

Insects At This Point Unstoppable And Expected To Be Handful

Reported by Katie Fehilnger

CBS2 News New York

 

April 25, 2011

 

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y — "A household pest is rearing it’s smelly head.

 

It first turned up in Pennsylvania back in the 1990s and has continued to spread into the Tri-State Area. Now it’s threatening fresh fruit crops in our area, reports CBS 2’s Katie Fehlinger.

 

They’re creepy. They’re crawly. And when you crush them, they’re stinky.

 

“Something akin to wet leaves. Some people find it really offensive,” said Jerry Giordano, community education at the Cornell University Cooperative Extension.

 

Make no mistake, the stink bugs are back. Residential infestations which plagued parts of New Jersey in recent years have already begun to encroach north. But expect more than just a home invasion this time around.

 

“The biggest problem is gonna be on fruit,” Giordano said.

 

Horticulturists say peaches, tomatoes, apples and more could all suffer damage from the brown marmorated stink bug this growing season, particularly in the Hudson Valley.

 

Randy Pratt, who operates a fruit farm in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., has dealt with the pests before.

 

“It uses its mouthparts and sucks the juice out, and then what happens is you get what’s called a dry or a corky spot,” Pratt said.

 

Although he has yet to see any stink bugs on his property, Pratt said he’s on the lookout.

 

“For me it affects my entire business because people come here to pick apples. And if your crop isn’t out there for them to pick there’s really no reason, really, for them to come here,” Pratt said.

 

Apple trees like the Ida red won’t even be ready for picking until early fall — right around the time the infestation’s expected to occur. So, Pratt said all he can do is wait and see.

 

“There’s nothing we can do ahead of time to stop it. If it’s coming, we just have to take care of it when it gets here,” he said.

 

Since this particular pest feeds on lots of different plant types, they’re tough to get rid of and there’s no way sure-fire way to control them.

 

“You basically vacuum them up or collect them in a way without crushing them,” Giordano said.

 

So far, more than 30 stink bug reports and samples have come in from the Hudson Valley. Experts say, for now, there’s no need to panic, but expect a stinky situation in the months ahead.

 

Now that the weather’s warming up, don’t be surprised if you notice more stink bugs since they’re emerging from their winter hiding places. Since the bugs turned up in the U.S., they’ve been found in 32 states. "

 

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/04/25/stink-bugs-to-cause-havoc-to-hudson-valley-fruit-crops/

[lilbluefoxie]

isnt there like some chemical they can spray to get rid of em?

[Shortline Bus]

isnt there like some chemical they can spray to get rid of em?

 

yup. Just another media outlet overblowing a story. Biggest fear is that the price of fruits and veggies might be going on though.

 

Just give insect sprays and I am good to go.:eek:

[553 Bridgeton]

Actually the spay used does not bother the stink bugs. They have a hard shell and the only way to kill them is if you get under the shell. Their wings will get wet but they will dry them off. Stink bug plagues are caused by sudden warmth. Just be happy its stink bugs because if they were Locust then youd have a major problem.

[Shortline Bus]

Actually the spay used does not bother the stink bugs. They have a hard shell and the only way to kill them is if you get under the shell. Their wings will get wet but they will dry them off. Stink bug plagues are caused by sudden warmth. Just be happy its stink bugs because if they were Locust then youd have a major problem.

 

 

Good point. Yesterday on Tuesday 4/26/11 it was 80 degrees even here in ski country lol. So Are they a problem in South NJ 553?

[553 Bridgeton]

Yes they are a problem down here also.

[Arthurgibbs]

These pests are havoc creator, they create problems and nuisance where ever they go or where ever they are present. They are the ones creating health issues and spreading diseases all around causing a treat to the lives of peoples. For the complete eradication of these tiny creatures, these sprays won't work for a long time whereas hiring professionals such as Pest Control Milford CT would eliminate them completely. Hence pest control is a necessary action to be taken against these bugs. 

[Angelaavant]

True, hiring professionals is a good idea.