Citizen scientists are needed to hunt for stink bugs that damage vegetables, field crops and landscape ornamentals.

University of Missouri Extension Entomologist, Kevin Rice says the Great Stink Bug Challenge team seeks citizen scientists ages 12 and older to trap stink bugs and record information about them.

The eight-week challenge is sponsored by Trécé Inc., an Oklahoma-based manufacturer of products for insect monitoring and control.

According to a news release, citizen scientists can set out sticky traps baited with pheromones weekly to collect data. Using provided identification guides, they identify and record stink bug species that are captured. This information helps researchers estimate stink bug populations in field crops.

In addition to Rice, Great Stink Bug Challenge team members are Joan Hickman, a retired 4-H youth specialist; Kelsey Benthall, an MU doctoral student; and Danielle Kirkpatrick, an entomologist and technical support coordinator at Trécé.

For more information, go to TheGreatStinkBugChallenge.org or to learn more about stink bugs go to extension.missouri.edu/programs/cotton-extension/cotton-pests/stink-bugs.