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Seeking solution to Stink bugs stinging my tomato’s #874760

Asked June 26, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT

Last year my tomato’s were infested with stink bugs and as the tomatoes began to ripen the bugs stung them multiple times essentially reuniting them. What pesticides are effective and available to home gardeners to prevent this from occurring again this growing season? Thanks in advance! Rick

Frederick County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi- green and brown stink bugs are native to MD and can be significant pests of tomato, pepper, and other crops. Some ways to reduce feeding are pruning to reduce the total number of stems per plant, spacing plants farther apart, handpicking adults, and removing weeds. If stings are not too numerous, you can use a sharp knife to remove the injured fruit tissue (it goes just a little deeper than the skin).

Products containing pyrethrins are an organic insecticide option.
Some synthetic options are acetamiprid (e.g., Ortho Max Flower, Fruit, Citrus, and Vegetable Insect Control, and products containing permethrins (synthetic pyrethrins).

Follow all label instructions.
Jon
Thank you!
Sent from my iPad

On Jun 26, 2024, at 2:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 5:13 PM EDT

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