Stink Bugs

Although fall signals the arrival of many wonderful things – football and cooler temperatures, stink bugs are not one of them. These small, mottled gray-brownish bugs try to find a way into your house once the cooler temperatures arrive. Adult stink bugs can reach almost 2 centimeters in length and are nearly as wide as they are long. However, they appear even larger because their legs extend from the sides.

Stink bugs were first collected in the Untied States in the fall of 1996 and are now most prevalent in the mid-Atlantic region. They have been identified in 44 states as well as the District of Columbia. Their name is from the bugs’ tendency to release an odor when disturbed or crushed. The odor is produced in a gland in their abdomen.

You will often find stink bugs on a warmer day, after a cold snap, around your doors and windows. Their arrival seems to coincide with the harvesting of agriculture crops. To prevent these pests from entering your home, seal all cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes and other openings. It is best to use a quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Any tears or holes in screens on windows and doors should be repaired or replaced. Since they are attracted to light, change any exterior lighting to less-attractive yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights to try to keep the stink bugs at bay.

Once stink bugs have entered your home, they may congregate almost anywhere, on furniture, under beds and sofas, on windows, and in the attic. They will not cause structural damage, nor will they reproduce in homes. They do not bite people or pets. Stinkbugs are not known to transmit disease or cause physical harm. Do not smash stink bugs as they will release an odor when you do so. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove them. Be sure to clean or empty the vacuum cleaner’s canister once finished.

The best course of action is to find out how stink bugs are entering your home and eliminate the option. Contact Pass Pest Control to see what pest proofing options will work best for you and your home.