Polar Vortex May Slow Down Stink Bug Invasion, Researchers Say

The freezing temperatures that have gripped much of the nation this winter could lead to fewer stink bugs come spring, researchers at Virginia Tech report.

Every fall, when conditions are still ripe for stink bug activity, researchers at Virginia Tech collect the insects, stuff them into insulated 5-gallon buckets and store them outside for the winter to await experiments, reports The Washington Post. Just two weeks ago, on the heels of yet another arctic blast in January, entomology professor Thomas Kuhar pulled out his first batch of stink bug-laden buckets to begin experiments and made a shocking discovery.

Ninety-five percent of the stink bugs in Kuhar's buckets were dead, casualties of the Blacksburg, Va. winter. The find led Kuhar to dramatic prediction.

“There should be significant mortality of BMSB (brown marmorated stink bugs) and many other overwinter insects this year,” Kuhar told the Washington Post.