Jersey Claiming That Smell Is Stink Bugs

New Jersey is apparently suffering from a stink bug infestation, which is damaging crops and annoying homeowners across the state. Native to Asia, the bugs popped up in Pennsylvania in 1996, and have no natural enemies in the area. Apple farmers in northwestern New Jersey have seen about 70% of their crops destroyed by the critters in the past two years, and Dan Bradbury of Viking Pest and Termite Control says they've been getting multiple phone calls about the bugs every day. So how should New Yorkers arm themselves if the bugs jump the Hudson? Bradbury suggests vacuuming, but says, "I’ve smelled them and I don’t think it’s that bad." Insert your own Jersey joke here.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jaya Saxena in News on May 24, 2010 2:11 PM

Comments [rss]

Ralph Steadman

Hahahahahahaha

mo

live in the village we had a few last summer made the mistake of hitting one .what a smell .for a little bug it packs some odor .I will not be trying to hit them this year .capture an flush in bathroom quick

zincink

@openheads

The smell comes from Linden & Elizabeth where there are many processing plants. While driving on Route 1&9 right after you pass Newark Airport is where the toxic smell really takes effect. Get out yer' gas masks!

I haven't heard anyone talk about stink bugs so I don't know where they are getting that info..I saw one in the winter but thought it was a ladybug..then it grew to be a big oooglay stink bug so I unleashed a weapon of mass destruction (Lysol) upon its stinkbug head.

Politburo

They don't smell at all to me, and I've killed hundreds. I wonder if it's like asparagus pee..

openheads

"Insert your own Jersey joke here."

What joke?

NJ smells by one section of the Turnpike. In the middle of nothing. NYC stinks in the actual streets. The piles of garbage stacked up on the curb baking in the sun outside of people's homes. The subway stinks. The piss soaked stoups. Hunts Point.

You people live in the stink. NJ residents just pass by it for a few seconds on the turnpike.

NannyState

There you go again. Get your own damn stink.

Ritchie

It's true- I've been noticing them more and more in my NJ (weekend) house over the last few years. And yep, I just vaccum them up, or pick them up and take them outside. The ducks seems to like eating them...

magicnick

Jersy just SMELLS. Blame it on bugs, Blame it on gas escaping from the earth, Blame it on old lady farts--facts are facts Jersey just SMELLS.

Ritchie

I grew up in NJ -- and may I say, we ONLY called it New Jersey--and the only place it smelled was the closer we got to NYC! Try exploring it instead of going by the refineries.

Stevennnn

and New York City doesn't smell? I admit I used to be one of those who bash NJ, but after some time I found it to be pointless and childish.