Introduction

Stink bugs are a common pest that can wreak havoc on tomato plants. These bugs feed on the fruit of tomato plants, causing fruit to become misshapen or damaged. Not only can stink bugs damage your plants, but they also release an unpleasant odor when threatened. In this article, we'll go over some effective ways to control stink bugs on tomato plants.

Cultural Control

One of the simplest ways to prevent stink bugs from infesting your tomato plants is by implementing cultural control methods. These methods generally involve keeping your garden clean and free of debris, as well as utilizing good gardening practices. Some tips to help prevent stink bug infestations include:

Remove any fallen fruits or debris from the garden to prevent overwintering sites for stink bugs.

Clean up weeds around the garden as stink bugs will use these as an alternate host plant.

Prune the lower branches of the tomato plant to discourage stink bugs from laying their eggs on the fruit.

Keep the garden soil around the tomato plant clear of excess vegetation and debris that could harbor stink bugs.

Physical Control

Another option for controlling stink bugs on tomato plants is by using physical controls. These controls generally involve manually removing stink bugs from the plants, trapping them, or using barriers to keep them out. Some options for physical control include:

Handpicking stink bugs from the plant and dropping them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

Using sticky traps to capture stink bugs on the plants.

Placing floating row covers over the plants to act as a physical barrier against stink bugs.

Chemical Control

If cultural and physical control methods fail to adequately control stink bugs on your tomato plants, chemical control may be necessary. However, it's important to note that chemical control should be used as a last resort, as it can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. When utilizing chemical control, always follow the label instructions and try to choose products that are specific to stink bugs. Some options for chemical control include:

Applying insecticidal soaps or oils, which can help to kill stink bugs on contact.

Applying pyrethrin-based insecticides, which are effective against stink bugs but may also harm beneficial insects.

Beneficial Insects

Another way to control stink bugs on tomato plants is by encouraging the presence of beneficial insects. These insects, such as lacewings and ladybugs, can help to keep stink bug populations in check. To encourage these beneficial insects, consider planting companion plants such as marigolds and dill, which are known to attract them. Additionally, avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides, which can harm beneficial insect populations.

Conclusion

Stink bugs can be a frustrating pest to deal with, but by implementing cultural, physical, and chemical controls, you can effectively protect your tomato plants. Remember to always follow label instructions when using chemical controls, and try to utilize beneficial insects whenever possible. By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest while keeping stink bugs at bay.