Stinkbugs - I need ideas to keep them off my Tomatoes

frustratedearthmother

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Year after year I grow the most beautiful, productive tomatoes. Many varieties from full sized down to the cutest little cherry and/or grape tomatoes. Unfortunately, year after year we are inundated by stink bugs that destroy the fruits. A greenhouse is always the first idea to come to mind but I don't actually need a greenhouse because we're so HOT here. A screen house would probably work much better. I may eventually resort to one, but before I go that route I'd love ideas for ways to actually get an edible harvest without spending a whole lot of money.

I have tons of huge grow tubs. I thought about planting my tomatoes in there and using maybe some welded wire to wrap around the plants and cover it all with row cover. It's not a bad idea, but it's hard to keep the row cover secure and those stinkin' stink bugs can find any weakness and breach it. I've thought about using a stock panel and arching some pvc over it and covering that with row cover or maybe I could find some actual insect cloth to use. That way I could walk in there and harvest easier.

I'm open to ideas and suggestions. I want some tomatoes!!
 
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frustratedearthmother

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Ah, that may be a part of the difference here, we don't feed the birds other than what they forage from the gardens, bushes or trees. they have to earn their living like the rest of us. :)
I don't intentionally feed them, lol. I think I didn't explain it very well - sorry. They are earning their living by stealing chicken feed!

I remember using a trap that you put dish soap in and a light over it...didn't catch enough to make it worth the electricity for the light...:(

But, I just did a quick search and it looks like they have some pheromone traps that are listed for inside or outside. I think I'll be giving those a try! Thanks for the reminder!
 

Hinotori

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Try neem oil. It's safe for edible plants. It's pressed from the seeds of the neem tree.

I got Mom to try it on her apricot tree a few years ago because she was freaking out about the toxic sprays the nursery recommended for the tree scale. Took care of the problem and now Mom is happy enough to have something she can use.
 

frustratedearthmother

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They start with the tomatoes, lol. After I get ticked off and pull the plants up or cut 'em back they will attack other veggies...squash, okra and even beans. They are pretty terrible on sunflowers too - maybe plant a bunch of sunflowers to lure them away from the tomatoes?

I've used insecticidal soap. I didn't notice it killing them, but if I could spray them good enough to wet them down I could hand pick. One year I went out early every morning and started hand picking. When I started topping 200 every! stinking! morning! I gave up.

I swear I'm going to hit 'em hard this year with every single idea.
 

flowerbug

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I don't intentionally feed them, lol. I think I didn't explain it very well - sorry. They are earning their living by stealing chicken feed!

I remember using a trap that you put dish soap in and a light over it...didn't catch enough to make it worth the electricity for the light...:(

But, I just did a quick search and it looks like they have some pheromone traps that are listed for inside or outside. I think I'll be giving those a try! Thanks for the reminder!

great! just remember to put them some distance away from your gardens you are trying to protect, but they should also come with instructions so disregard this advice if they say something else. haha. :) good luck! :)
 

frustratedearthmother

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I wish there was a predator insect that lived on stink bugs. While there are 'some' that prey on them, the info I've seen seems to indicate it's not totally effective. :(

  • Do brown marmorated stink bugs have any natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) in the United States?
    Yes. Since the brown marmorated stink bug is not native to the United States it is unlikely that its natural enemies came with it when it was introduced into the country. However, there are various native natural enemies that do feed on brown marmorated stink bugs including predatory stink bugs, assassin bugs, and two egg parasitoids. Unfortunately they attack many species of insects. Because of this they are unable to control the brown marmorated stink bug at this time.
I've read about kaolin also. Might have to give that a try - thanks for the reminder!
 

frustratedearthmother

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I'd love it if your information was more accurate! Do you remember the name of the predator bugs because I'd probably try it. DH reminded me that I actually bought some Kaolin some time ago and never used it. :hide If I can find it I'll experiment with it this year.
 

frustratedearthmother

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Thanks @Hinotori! I'll give that a try too. Might set up some experimental tomato beds and try different strategies until I find the one that works the best. :)
 
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