Insect
Stink Bug
Shield-shaped bugs 12 - 17 mm long, mottled brown or green, that pierce plant tissue and inject saliva, causing corky or dimpled damage to fruit.
Symptoms to Look For
- Dimpled, pitted, or corky patches on fruit surfaces
- Pithy white areas just beneath fruit skin
- Cat-facing deformity on tomatoes and peppers near the stem
Affected Plants
TomatoPepperApplePeachPearBeanCornStrawberryRaspberry
Organic Solutions
Hand removal
Knock bugs into a bucket of soapy water in the morning when they are sluggish - wear gloves to avoid the odour.
Kaolin clay
Spray kaolin clay suspension onto fruit and foliage to create a physical barrier that irritates and deters feeding adults.
Row covers
Cover small crops or individual fruit clusters with fine mesh bags or row cover fabric to exclude bugs during the risk period.
Prevention
- Check undersides of leaves for bronze egg masses and crush them as soon as found
- Seal gaps in greenhouse and shed walls in autumn to prevent overwintering indoors
- Plant trap crops such as sunflowers or mustard at the garden perimeter to draw bugs away from crops
Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.