The anti-invasive insect program "Great Stink Bug Count" has been interrupted due to government shutdown. The project's well-timed schedule will be lost after winter.
This is just one of the government projects facing cease of operations due to government shutdown. The "Great Stink Bug Count" is a government initiative to measure the quantity of stink bug infestations in American homes. The federal government's agricultural department has asked the public's participation in this one-month project which started September 15.
It is a suitable time for the project to be conducted at this time since the insects are booming in numbers and looking for shelter this coming winter. With the government shutdown, however, the lead researcher is now on furlough halfway the project's duration, leaving its official website inactive.
Stink bugs are invasive insects under the bug species. Also known as the "marmorated stink bug," it is the most invasive bug that concerns the USDA.
The states located in the mid-Atlantic area are more prone to the bug infestations but a total of 40 states are affected. The most affected states include New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.
The stink bugs have no local predator which explains the massive infestation in the states. There are several predators that can be imported from Asia however their introduction to the environment has negative implications too.
Currently there are several insecticides allowed by the Environment Protection Agency but this only applicable for crop protection. Indoor pesticides are not yet available for safe use as of this time. Employing pest services may give some temporary suppression but its effect doesn't last.
There is however several measure that households can take to rid of the insects. The College of Agricultural Sciences in Pennsylvania recommends the public to block possible entrance spots where the bugs usually go through. This includes small cracks and open spaces found under or around doors, windows, exhaust fans, chimneys, etc. The best sealant to use is silicone material or a silicone latex caulk.
While the project is on operation shutdown, households in affected states could still continue with the count. The project team would find daily reports of the stink bugs' quantity, taken between 2 p.m to 6 p.m in the afternoon, very useful once their project resumes.
This was first reported by the Consumer Reports.
