Stink Bug Traps: What Works, What Doesn't

PITTSBURGH,None — As the weather warms up, stink bugs are becoming more active and more annoying. Channel 11 News decided to put some new traps to the test to see if they'll stop the bugs from invading homes and gardens.

Experts said this is the time of year when stink bugs head outdoors and start eating everything in sight. If you've got a garden, watch out, because they can do some real damage. That's why Channel 11's Robin Taylor put both indoor and outdoor products to the test.

Taylor began at Soergel's Farm Market in Franklin Park, where stink bugs are a real problem. The farm's owner said the bugs damaged one-third of the apple crop at his farm last year.

"It hurts when you're looking at apples going from $20 a bushel to $4," said Reed Soergl, who farms and helps run the family business.

Taylor decided to put a rocket-shaped trap in the orchard where stink bugs did the most damage.

The Dead Inn (LINK: The Dead Inn ) costs $34 and is based on a design entomologists are using to catch and study stink bugs.

Manufacturers said the device uses a scent to lure the bugs in and then traps them inside. The manufacturer said it works best in the summer and early fall, when temperatures are warm.

After a week of rain with 40- and 50-degree temperatures, Taylor returned to find an empty trap. It had simply been too cold and wet for the stink bugs to be lured in.

Next Taylor tested the indoor traps.

The Asian Ladybug Light Trap (LINK: The Asian Ladybug Trap ) was designed as a non-toxic way to catch and kill Asian ladybugs, but the manufacturer said it also works on stink bugs.

Taylor followed the instructions, filling the base with soapy water and a liquid, which is supposed to be food for bugs. She then attached scent lure to the top and turned on the black light. The trap works best in a dark room or at night and is supposed to be left on 24 hours a day.

Once it's plugged in, the $50 trap is supposed to lure the bugs in and then drown them.

A week later Taylor returned to find at least three dozen dead stink bugs in the trap.

The Strube Stink Bug Trap (LINK: The Strube Stink Bug Trap ) also uses a light as a lure and then traps the pests in sticky material.

The trap is made by a Pennsylvania man who was so fed up, he came up with the design which, sells for $50. While other people have had luck with it, Taylor was uable to use the trap because she said she couldn't get the light to stay on.

Taylor's final test involved Catch It Sticky Traps. (LINK: Catch It Sticky Traps )

A dozen cost $27. Taylor said it's a simple design. When insects step onto the adhesive, they're stuck and you can just throw the whole thing away.

"You know these sticky traps were rather disappointing," said Taylor as she examined them. "We've got two dead stink bugs and that's it. I even put one of these traps out in my home and I had a stink bug crawling over the top of it to avoid the sticky stuff."

All of the traps Taylor tested were ordered online. She did not find any of these traps in local stores.

Previous Stories: May 9, 2011: Pittsburgh-Area Residents Battle Stink Bug Invasion

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