Stink Bug Problem Persists in Hudson Valley

Researchers are trying to figure out how bad the stink bug problem is for Hudson Valley farms.      

Stink bugs have been in the valley since 2008, but the Poughkeepsie Journal reports that their populations have increased dramatically this year.

The invasive insect feeds on fruits and vegetables and is a menace to farmers.      

Cornell University's Hudson Valley Laboratory will attempt to quantify the economic impact of stink bugs in the region this month.

Cornell entomologist Peter Jentsch said early indications are that as much as 20 percent of some orchards' fruit crops have been affected.      

Amy Hepworth of Hepworth Organic Farm in Milton said the bug has already been into her zucchini, peppers and tomatoes.      

Stink bugs are in more than 30 states.