08.10.2025 14:57
In the Eastern Black Sea region, the "brown marmorated stink bug," which damages hazelnut orchards, has invaded many homes in Trabzon with the cold weather. Citizens, who stated that they cannot open windows and doors due to the stink bugs and even cannot eat, continue to fight against this invasive species. Experts have warned that stink bugs should definitely not be touched by hand.
In the Black Sea region, which holds a large part of the world's hazelnut production and market, the insect species known as the "brown marmorated stink bug" poses a threat to many plants, especially hazelnuts. This invasive species, which can feed on more than 300 plant species and dries out the roots of plants, has invaded many homes in Trabzon as it seeks a warm place with the onset of cold weather. While citizens are protesting the situation, the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and the Metropolitan Municipality have been conducting biocidal spraying in homes to combat the brown marmorated stink bug.
"THERE HAS BEEN A HEAVY ATTACK ON HOMES" Gürsel Çakıroğlu, the Head of the Plant Production and Plant Health Department at the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, stated, "The brown marmorated stink bug requires a long-term struggle. Recently, there has been a heavy attack on homes. During the transition to winter, it seeks a warm environment and surface to spend the winter. Therefore, with the sudden drop in temperatures, it moves into buildings to survive the winter. Together with the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and the Metropolitan Municipality, we are conducting biocidal spraying in 9 districts with 9 teams. In 2024, around 10,000, and in 2025, about 62,000 samurai wasps were released. Chemical control was also carried out on agricultural lands with 550 liters. Citizens also have a significant role. They must carry out spraying inside the buildings and need to assist us. This is of great importance. The reason it prefers bricks, wood, and roof spaces is that it wants to spend the winter in warmth," he said.
"DO NOT TOUCH WITH YOUR HANDS" Çakıroğlu warned against touching the stink bug while trying to eliminate the infestation, stating, "The statement from the Ministry of Health indicates that people with sensitive skin may have allergic reactions when trying to crush the stink bug with their hands. You should kill it using different methods rather than with your hands. It is definitely wrong to crush it directly with your hands. If you have sensitive skin, you may react. You might be disturbed by its smell. The stink bug does not have a biting structure in its mouth, so it does not show a different effect," he said.
"I COULDN'T EAT ALL DAY, THEY SMELL VERY BAD" Şenay Şimşek expressed that the stink bug has invaded every corner of her home, saying, "We came to the village for the weekend. We couldn't open the doors and windows because of the stink bugs. We couldn't even sit in front of the door. We killed some by hitting them, and we vacuumed some. A solution must be found for this. I couldn't eat all day. They smell very bad. They get into the gaps of the screens and settle there. We are very surprised this year. They even get inside the house. Wherever I touch, a stink bug comes out," she said.