Study: Polar Vortex may have killed off majority of stink bug population

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This winter's frigid conditions may prove to be somewhat beneficial in the spring.

A press release from the National Pest Management Association cites a Virginia Tech research experiment that estimates the Polar Vortex may have killed 95 percent of the stink bugs that hadn't found shelter to stay warm this winter.

The brown bug got it's name because when it feels threatened, it lets off a musty, chemical-like odor.

Researchers said the emerald ash borer and southern pine beetle are other invasive species that als aren't likely to survive the cold.

[Bye bye bugs? Scientists fear non-pest insects are declining]

Despite some homeowners' wishes, common pests such as cockroaches and bed bugs will most likely survive the winter because even if the adult insect freezes, they've most likely already laid eggs that will hatch in warm weather.

Researchers said people may think ants, mosquitoes and termites will also die off during winter months, but the pests have ways to make it through the winter.

Cox Media Group