Hobbies And Interests
Tachinid Flies
The tachinid fly parasitizes. These tiny flies lay their eggs inside the stink bug. When the larvae hatch, they feed on the stink bug. Though the stink bugs will still emit a smell after their death, the quick parasitization of the tachinid fly means that the smell does not last long.
Chickadees
Though few birds are willing to trade a meal for the foul smell of the stink bug, the black-capped chickadee is a notable exception. These birds happily prey on several species of stink bugs. These birds also enjoy sunflower seeds, so filling a bird feeder with sunflower seeds is a great way to attract chickadees and eliminate stink bugs.
Skunks
Wildlife expert Jack Hubley points out that stink bugs may be eaten by another smelly animal -- the skunk. Skunks are omnivorous mammals that eat a variety of weeds, fruits and insects, including stink bugs. Promoting skunk and wildlife conservation is an excellent way to prevent an overabundance of stink bugs in your area.
Other Insects
A few other insects prey on stink bugs. Praying mantids, large green insects known for their unusual body posture, frequently prey on stink bugs. Parasitic wasps like the braconid wasp feed stink bugs to larvae. The adults sting and paralyze the stink bugs, then carry them back to their nests where freshly hatched wasps will devour them.
Other Stink Bugs
Though most stink bugs are vegetarians, some species of stink bugs are carnivorous predators that prey on other stink bugs. The two-spotted stink bug eats a variety of insect larvae as well as other stink bugs. This insect can be recognized by its hard and flat body, black or brown color, and brightly colored red, yellow or white stripes on its back. Like all stink bugs, this species emits a foul odor when killed.