The Department of Climate Action assures that this year significant populations of the stink bug have been detected in the hazelnut production of Brunyola (Selva) and in the apple trees of the Girona fruit area.
Some damage has also been detected in La Garrotxa and Alt Maresme. Now, the brown insect begins the hibernation phase and its elimination is recommended. It is the time when adult insects begin to enter houses and buildings, so Acció Climática asks to eliminate all insects by submerging them in soap and water or with a vacuum cleaner if there are many specimens of the species. At the moment, this year the damage that the stink bug has caused to crops is not significant.
It is a brown insect with marked dark venation at the end of the wings and two light bands on the antennae. He is of Asian origin, entered Catalonia in 2016, his presence was identified in the province of Girona. In that same year it had already spread to Barcelona and also to the crops of Baix Llobregat.
Since 2022, IRTA, the Barcelona Provincial Council and the plant health service of the Department of Climate Action (DACC) have started the campaign to raise awareness among the population on how to recognize the insect and how to act if a specimen is found at home. to avoid or reduce the damage it causes to crops.
The insect does not transmit diseases to humans or animals, but causes discomfort when it enters homes. That is why the plant health service remembers that it is necessary to eliminate all insect specimens to prevent them from moving to the crops.
The important thing if they are inside the houses is not to release them outside, from where they could move to the fields. It is also recommended to install mosquito nets and cover ventilation openings and chimneys to minimize bed bugs from entering buildings.
