Tomato plants face numerous threats from insects with piercing mouthparts. If you’ve noticed damaged fruit with cloudy spots or sunken areas, you might be wondering: do stink bugs eat tomatoes? The short answer is yes, and they can cause real trouble in your garden.
Stink bugs are shield-shaped pests that suck juices from tomato fruits and leaves. They leave behind blemishes that make tomatoes unappealing or even inedible. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how stink bugs damage tomatoes, how to spot them, and what to do about it.
Do Stink Bugs Eat Tomatoes
Yes, stink bugs absolutely eat tomatoes. Both adult stink bugs and their nymphs (young bugs) feed on tomato plants. They use their needle-like mouthparts to pierce the skin of the fruit and suck out the liquid inside. This feeding leaves behind small, pale spots that turn into corky, discolored patches as the tomato grows.
Stink bugs don’t just eat the fruit. They also feed on stems and leaves, but the fruit damage is what gardeners notice most. The damage is often called “cat-facing” because it creates misshapen, scarred tomatoes. If you see tomatoes with white or yellow blotches that feel hard and bumpy, stink bugs are likely the culprit.
Different species of stink bugs attack tomatoes. The brown marmorated stink bug is common in many regions, but green stink bugs and southern green stink bugs also cause problems. All of them feed the same way and leave similar damage.
How Stink Bugs Damage Tomato Plants
Stink bugs insert their mouthparts into tomato fruit and inject saliva. This saliva contains enzymes that break down plant tissue, making it easier for the bug to suck up the liquid. The result is a feeding site that turns into a sunken, corky spot. If multiple bugs feed on the same fruit, the tomato can become deformed and unmarketable.
Here is what stink bug damage looks like on tomatoes:
- Small, pale yellow or white spots on the fruit surface
- Sunken, corky patches that feel hard to the touch
- Misshapen tomatoes with lumpy or cat-faced appearance
- Cloudy or water-soaked areas under the skin
- Premature fruit drop in severe infestations
The damage is mostly cosmetic, but it ruins the tomato for fresh eating or canning. Stink bugs can also transmit plant pathogens, though this is less common than direct feeding injury.
Life Cycle Of Stink Bugs In The Garden
Understanding the stink bug life cycle helps you control them. Adult stink bugs overwinter in leaf litter, under bark, or inside buildings. In spring, they emerge and begin feeding on early plants, including tomatoes. Females lay clusters of barrel-shaped eggs on the undersides of leaves.
The eggs hatch into nymphs, which look like smaller versions of adults but without fully developed wings. Nymphs go through five stages, called instars, before becoming adults. The entire life cycle takes about 30 to 45 days, depending on temperature. In warm climates, there can be multiple generations per year.
Nymphs and adults both feed on tomatoes, so damage can happen at any stage. The peak feeding time is usually mid to late summer when tomatoes are ripening.
Signs Of Stink Bugs On Tomato Plants
You don’t always see the bugs themselves because they hide under leaves or drop to the ground when disturbed. But there are clear signs that stink bugs are present.
Look for these clues:
- Small, round, white or yellow spots on green or ripe tomatoes
- Hard, corky patches on the fruit surface
- Deformed or cat-faced tomatoes
- Shield-shaped bugs on stems or under leaves
- Clusters of small, barrel-shaped eggs on leaf undersides
- A foul odor when bugs are crushed or disturbed
If you see these signs, inspect your plants carefully. Stink bugs are most active in the morning and evening. Shake the plant gently over a white cloth or tray to dislodge them so you can count them.
How To Tell Stink Bugs Apart From Other Tomato Pests
Several insects damage tomatoes, but stink bug damage is distinct. Here is how to tell stink bugs from other common pests:
- Tomato hornworms: Large green caterpillars that eat leaves and fruit. They leave large holes, not small spots.
- Spider mites: Tiny pests that cause stippling and webbing on leaves, not fruit spots.
- Flea beetles: Small jumping beetles that make tiny holes in leaves, not fruit.
- Stink bugs: Shield-shaped, slow-moving bugs that leave sunken, corky spots on fruit.
Stink bugs are also known for their unpleasant smell when handled. This is a defense mechanism that makes them easy to identify once you encounter it.
How To Prevent Stink Bugs From Eating Your Tomatoes
Prevention is the best strategy for managing stink bugs. Once they start feeding, the damage is done. Here are steps you can take to keep them away from your tomato plants.
Use Row Covers Early In The Season
Floating row covers made of lightweight fabric can keep stink bugs off young plants. Install the covers right after planting and remove them when flowers appear so bees can pollinate. This works best for early-season protection.
Remove Weeds And Debris
Stink bugs hide in weeds, tall grass, and garden debris. Keep the area around your tomato plants clean. Remove weeds, fallen leaves, and old plant material. This reduces hiding spots and makes your garden less attractive to stink bugs.
Plant Trap Crops
Trap crops are plants that stink bugs prefer over tomatoes. Plant sunflowers, sorghum, or millet near your tomato patch. Stink bugs will feed on these instead of your tomatoes. You can then treat the trap crop with insecticide or remove the bugs by hand.
Encourage Natural Predators
Many beneficial insects and animals eat stink bugs. Parasitic wasps, spiders, ladybugs, and praying mantises all prey on stink bugs. Birds also eat them. Plant flowers like dill, fennel, and yarrow to attract these predators to your garden.
Use Reflective Mulch
Silver or reflective plastic mulch can confuse stink bugs and reduce their feeding. The reflective surface makes it hard for them to locate tomato plants. This method works best in commercial gardens but can be adapted for home gardens.
How To Control Stink Bugs On Tomatoes
If stink bugs are already on your plants, you need to take action. Here are effective control methods, from least to most invasive.
Hand Picking
For small gardens, hand picking is effective. Wear gloves and drop the bugs into a bucket of soapy water. Do this in the morning or evening when bugs are less active. Check the undersides of leaves for eggs and crush them. Hand picking works best when populations are low.
Water Spray
A strong spray of water from a garden hose can knock stink bugs off plants. They will fall to the ground and may not climb back up immediately. This method is temporary but can reduce feeding pressure during peak times.
Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized algae. Sprinkle it around the base of tomato plants and on leaves. When stink bugs crawl through it, the powder damages their exoskeleton and causes them to dehydrate. Reapply after rain.
Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap can kill young stink bug nymphs but is less effective on adults. Spray directly on the bugs. You need to cover them completely for it to work. This method is safe for plants and beneficial insects when used correctly.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that disrupts stink bug feeding and reproduction. Mix according to label instructions and spray on all plant surfaces, especially the undersides of leaves. Neem oil works best as a preventive measure or for light infestations.
Chemical Insecticides
If natural methods fail, you can use chemical insecticides. Products containing pyrethroids, carbaryl, or malathion are effective against stink bugs. Always follow label instructions and avoid spraying when bees are active. Use chemicals as a last resort because they can harm beneficial insects.
Do Stink Bugs Eat Green Tomatoes Or Only Ripe Ones
Stink bugs eat both green and ripe tomatoes. They feed on fruit at any stage of development. Green tomatoes that are fed on will develop hard, corky spots as they ripen. Ripe tomatoes get soft, sunken areas that rot quickly.
The feeding damage on green tomatoes is often not visible until the fruit matures. You might pick a tomato that looks fine on the outside but has internal damage. Cutting it open reveals brown, corky tissue under the skin.
Stink bugs prefer ripening fruit because it is softer and easier to penetrate. But they will feed on green fruit if no other food is available. Protecting your tomatoes throughout the growing season is important.
Can Stink Bugs Kill Tomato Plants
Stink bugs rarely kill tomato plants outright. They weaken plants by sucking sap, but healthy plants can tolerate moderate feeding. The main problem is fruit damage. Heavy infestations can cause stunted growth, wilting, and reduced yield, but death is uncommon.
However, stink bugs can transmit bacterial and fungal pathogens. If they introduce disease into the plant, it can lead to serious problems like bacterial spot or early blight. Keeping stink bug numbers low helps prevent secondary infections.
Common Questions About Stink Bugs And Tomatoes
Here are answers to frequent questions gardeners have about stink bugs and tomatoes.
Will Stink Bugs Eat Other Plants Besides Tomatoes
Yes, stink bugs are generalist feeders. They eat many vegetables and fruits, including peppers, eggplants, beans, corn, and peaches. They also feed on weeds and ornamental plants. This wide host range makes them hard to control.
Do Stink Bugs Bite Humans Or Pets
Stink bugs do not bite humans or pets. Their mouthparts are designed for piercing plant tissue, not skin. They are not dangerous to people or animals, but they can be a nuisance when they enter homes in large numbers.
Can You Eat Tomatoes That Stink Bugs Have Damaged
You can eat tomatoes with stink bug damage, but the affected areas are hard and corky. Cut away the damaged parts and the rest of the tomato is fine. The flavor is not affected, but the texture is unpleasant. For canning or sauces, you can trim the spots and use the rest.
How Do Stink Bugs Get Into The Garden
Stink bugs fly into gardens from nearby fields, woods, or buildings. They are strong fliers and can travel long distances. They are attracted to gardens with plenty of food and shelter. Once they find a good food source, they stay and reproduce.
What Time Of Year Are Stink Bugs Most Active On Tomatoes
Stink bugs are most active from mid-summer through early fall. This coincides with tomato fruiting and ripening. In warm climates, they can be active from spring through fall. Monitor your plants regularly during these months.
Final Tips For Managing Stink Bugs On Tomatoes
Stink bugs are persistent pests, but you can manage them with a combination of prevention and control methods. Start with cultural practices like removing weeds and using row covers. Monitor your plants weekly for signs of damage or bugs. Act quickly when you see the first stink bugs to prevent population buildup.
Remember that stink bugs are not the only pest that attacks tomatoes. Check for other insects and diseases regularly. Healthy plants are more resistant to pest damage, so give your tomatoes proper water, fertilizer, and spacing.
If you have a small garden, hand picking and water sprays may be enough. For larger gardens, consider trap crops and natural predators. Chemical controls should be your last option because they can harm bees and other beneficial insects.
With consistent effort, you can reduce stink bug damage and enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest. The key is to stay vigilant and take action early. Your tomatoes will thank you.