It wouldn’t be spring in Australia without the arrival of bronze orange bugs, also known as stink bugs. You’ll often smell their strong, pungent odour before you even see them, especially when walking past a citrus tree. These garden pests pierce the stems of developing fruit, sucking out the goodness and often causing young fruit to drop. Left untreated, stink bugs can strip an entire tree of its crop — making citrus pest control an important spring garden task.
Why stink bugs are a problem
Stink bugs don’t just damage fruit; they weaken your citrus trees over time. Their feeding habit causes distortion, fruit drop, and reduced harvests. If you notice clusters of these bronze-coloured bugs or smell their trademark odour, it’s time to act quickly.
Safe ways to remove stink bugs
The good news is that you don’t need harsh chemicals to control them. A few safe, hands-on methods include:
- Soapy water bucket – Knock bugs straight into a half-filled bucket of soapy water to kill them instantly.
- Tongs – Gently pick them off and drop them into water (great if you don’t want to touch them directly).
- Wet/dry vacuum – A surprisingly handy trick for sucking stink bugs off your citrus trees quickly.
⚠️ Always protect your eyes and skin. Stink bugs can release a defensive, caustic spray that stings and burns. Wearing gloves and safety glasses will make the job much safer.
A learning opportunity for kids
If you’ve got kids in the garden, this can be a good teaching moment. Show them what stink bugs look — and smell! — like, and explain why they’re harmful to citrus trees. Just remind little ones to keep a safe distance while you handle removal.
Keep your citrus healthy
By staying on top of stink bug infestations, you’ll protect your citrus trees and enjoy a healthy crop of lemons, oranges, or mandarins throughout the season. Combine regular pest patrols with good garden care — like mulching, watering, and feeding — and your citrus will thrive all spring and summer.
Got curling leaves on your citrus? learn more about citrus leaf miner here: Why are the leaves on my citrus curling up and looking silvery and ugly? Citrus leaf miner – The Garden Family
To read more from Phil Dudman visit his website! Grow Your Food – with Phil Dudman
