Bugs in homes
We often hear about bugs, especially during this late summer period of the year, that infiltrate our homes and drive many of us crazy. What can we know about these animals? True bugs (Heteroptera) are a species-rich suborder, with nearly 900 species living in Hungary. What makes bugs often come into focus is due to a few species. I would like to briefly introduce those that often fly into homes. If you have also seen any of them, record the observation and you can get identification from us.
brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) adult
brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) nymph
The izeltlabuak.hu website primarily focuses on arthropods found in Hungary. This entry also deals with Hungarian fauna.
Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys)
The brown marmorated stink bug is native to East Asia. Its first specimen in Hungary was found by Gábor Vétek and colleagues in Budapest in 2013 1. Since then, the species has been spreading rapidly year by year in Hungary, and its appearance in our larger cities can already be considered massive 2. Regarding their damage and defense against them, Dr. Gábor Vétek shared useful information. The extent of the species' horticultural damage will likely increase proportionally with its spread. To be able to defend against it effectively, we need to assess the extent of its spread. You can also help with this by recording your observations.
brown marmorated stink bug distribution in Hungary based on user records
Southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula)
southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) adult
southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) nymph
Since its first appearance in Hungary in 2001 3, the southern green stink bug has become common throughout the country. It is a kitchen garden pest that can cause serious damage to tomato and pepper crops. It is often observed together with brown marmorated stink bugs.
Green shield bug (Palomena prasina)
green shield bug (Palomena prasina) adult
green shield bug (Palomena prasina) nymph
The green shield bug is our native bug 4. It is less common than the brown marmorated stink bug or the southern green stink bug.
Mottled shieldbug (Rhaphigaster nebulosa)
mottled shieldbug (Rhaphigaster nebulosa) adult
mottled shieldbug (Rhaphigaster nebulosa) nymph
The mottled shieldbug is common everywhere in Hungary 4. Its appearance is similar to the brown marmorated stink bug. The article published on the site provides help for their identification and distinction.
Western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis)
western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) adult
western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) nymph
The above belonged to the shield bugs (Pentatomidae) family, while the western conifer seed bug is a member of the leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae) family. It first appeared in Hungary in 2006 5. It also tends to wander into homes. It feeds on conifer sap, and I have no knowledge of any serious damage from it.
What can we do against them?
The bugs presented above have a new generation born in late summer, early autumn. At this time, the developing animals often appear in large numbers. In recent years, the number of brown marmorated stink bugs has increased, especially in our major cities where their large numbers are known.
These animals overwinter in their adult, i.e., fully developed form. For overwintering, they try to find warm places, homes, shutters, and cracks near homes are perfect for them.
The animals listed above are not dangerous to humans. Apart from the unpleasant blood-sucking bed bug, no bug lives in Hungary that could be harmful to humans.
We all know that these bugs can be smelly. This smelly substance is produced by scent glands, which they release through an opening. In normal state, this opening is closed. They open it when they feel threatened. Therefore, if we put them in a glass and take them outside, we won't smell from them, I recommend this removal method. With a little practice, they can even be removed by hand.
We can take care of keeping them away with mosquito nets, although this is not a perfect solution, they find a way to get in.