In a bug jam

We were grateful to find a campsite for our motorhome alongside the Canal du Midi in France that had plenty of shade under the trees.

While there, we found a cute little insect, shaped like a shield. Having not seen one, we took some pictures before. Another couple were found over the next few days but, as we thought they were native to the area, assumed they would not be a problem when we moved on.

What a mistake this was! During our meander back to Colchester, we came across the odd one, but still thought they were not a problem.

Once home, we researched them on the internet and found they are a real garden pest and generally known as shield bugs, but more commonly as stink bugs as the smell given off is foul if stamped on.

We prepared the motorhome for winter, removing all soft furnishings, leaving cupboards open, etc, and believed any bugs remaining would be killed by the cold temperature. How wrong we were.

In February we went into the motorhome to find not one stink bug, but five, stood on the work surface.

This time they were not released but drowned as per a YouTube video demonstration.

Youtube also showed how to make a trap out of plastic bottles with an LED light inside; unfortunately, it did not work as the bugs simply sat on the outside of the bottle, scuttling away when we went into the motorhome.

The hunt was on to eradicate them from the motorhome, so every nook was searched, which also meant unscrewing and removing all window surrounds, a good hiding place for them.

Then, using a YouTube demonstration showing how to remove the Remis rooflight surround, we found another hiding place.

In all, 27 were found and despatched and so far a couple of years later no more have been found. So be careful when you park under trees, especially in hot climates.

Patrick Coyne

ED The green shield bug, aka green stink bug, is actually common across England and Wales. There are other types of shield bug, with many species being recorded in France, none of which are particularly invasive. However, according to the Natural History Museum, the brown marmorated stink bug is a particularly invasive species from Asia that does threaten crops in summer months, and which has developed populations in Switzerland, Italy and France. They also hibernate in houses in winter, gathering around windows.

Museum entomologist, Max Barclay, says, “If members of the public think they have found a brown marmorated stink bug, NIAB EMR encourages them to first check online britishbugs.org.uk/gallery/heteroptera/Pentatomoidea/pentatomoidea.html to make sure it hasn’t been confused with a native species such the green shield bug, which turns brown over winter.

“There’s also a sloe bug named after the fruit they use to make sloe gin,’” adds Max. “It’s purplish brown and quite hairy under the microscope, which the stink bug is not. But to the inexperienced eye, it would look very similar.”

If it is a suspected marmorated stink bug then you can send the sample to the museum or the NIAB EMR or email images over. Find out more at nhm.ac.uk/ discover/news/2021/march/ monitoring-stink-bugs-toanticipate-the-future.html