What damage does Say's stink bug primarily cause?

The Say's stink bug primarily causes damage by extracting moisture from seeds. This pest feeds by using its specialized mouthparts to pierce the tissues of plants or seeds, allowing it to draw out fluids. When they feed on seeds, particularly during the critical stages of seed development, they can reduce the overall viability and yield of the crop. This moisture extraction significantly impacts the health and growth potential of the plants, rendering them less viable for agricultural purposes.

In contrast, other options suggest forms of damage that are not characteristic of Say's stink bug behavior. For instance, completely killing plants is typically not associated with this pest; while severe infestations can weaken plants, they usually do not result in complete death. The idea of damaging only the roots does not reflect the feeding patterns of Say's stink bug, as they primarily target the seed and fruit. Finally, while pests can sometimes attract others through their feeding or waste products, Say’s stink bug does not inherently serve as an attractant for other pests, making this an inaccurate assessment of its impact.