Another Stinkbug Could Soon Arrive in Pennsylvania
The state could be getting a new visitor, but it’s one that no one wants.
The Kudzu bug is a variety of stinkbug that’s been spotted in Georgia and is headed northward.
Photo by Ton Rulkens
If it arrives in Pennsylvania, it’s expected to cause problems for soybean farmers and could make it into homes.
Penn State Extension entomologist John Tooker says the problem of invasive species is nothing new for the commonwealth.
“It is unfortunate, but that’s just kinda the side effect of international commerce. Things get moved around the world all the time these days, and it just seems to be stinkbug’s turn. I’m sure that in a couple years, there will be another batch of insects from a specific group that will be causing a pain in the neck.”
Tooker says the bug feeds on the kudzu plant, found in southern counties.
He adds the state Department of Agriculture is on the lookout for the first sign of the bugs.
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