They earn their name by giving off a foul odor when handled. The young resemble the adults in shape but are somewhat more rounded. Young stink bugs are often seen clustered around the group of eggs from which they hatched. Eggs are barrel-shaped and usually laid on the undersides of leaves. Adults and young suck plant juices from plants.
Characteristic damage varies with the type of vegetable.
On lima beans, there is little evidence of feeding on the outside of the pods, but when the damaged beans are removed, they are shriveled and spotted with slick brown stains. Stink bug feeding on young okra pods and corn ears causes these vegetables to be distorted or crescent- shaped. Tomatoes that have been fedupon show whitish yellow spots. Removal of weeds from within and around the garden may aid in reducing stink bug numbers. However, be prepared to apply a recommended insecticide when stink bugs are seen in the garden.