With the arrival of the colder months, comes the unfavorable arrival of stink bugs as they search for warmer shelter indoors. The stink bug does not pose a significant threat or health risk to homeowners however, the pest can become quite an unwanted and odoriferous nuisance in your home.
The insect is notorious for the unpleasant they produce when threatened. Even though the insects do not pose the threat of disease or structural damage. The stink bug can damage fruit trees, gardens, and ornamental plants as their diet consists of feeding on plants by piercing and sucking the juices from leaves, roots, and stems of plants. The invasive species of insect has does not have any natural predators and therefore spread in numbers and quite rapidly making them quite a difficult pest to control. As a result, Synergy² Pest Control Service Company has put together this guide on how to get rid of stink bugs quickly and effectively before an infestation of stink bugs develops.
What Do Stink Bugs Look Like?
There are many different classifications of stink bugs. They are described as “huge, oval-shaped insects” as well as “shield-shaped insects.” Adult stink bugs can grow to be almost 2 cm long. A brownish stink bug is a brown marmorated stink bug. The antennae have lighter bands, whilst the wings have darker bands. Adult stink bugs can fly well and land by folding their wings on top of their bodies. Nymphs’ wings are not completely grown. When the nymph matures into an adult, the wings emerge. Adult stink bugs can be identified by their fully grown wings.
When nymphs or immature stink bugs hatch from their nests, they are tiny. Brown marmorated stink bug nymphs are yellow and red. The yellow fades to white as they develop. During the nymph stage of their life cycle, they have bright red eyes. The nymphs molt five times or shed their skin. When a stink bug nymph molts, it grows in size. The nymphs are about as big as adult stink bugs by the time they molt for the last time.
Stink Bug Odor
Well-known for the smell they produce when threatened, stink bugs emit an unpleasant odor that earns them their name. This odor helps the bugs defend themselves from predators. The stinky chemical is produced by a gland on the stink bug’s abdomen. Some stink bug species can spray the chemical up to an inch away. Strong herbs and spices like cilantro and coriander have often been used to describe the aroma.
Interestingly, the odor is made up of chemicals that are widely used as food additives which are often used in cilantro. This odor will persist for hours. It is always recommended to get rid of them before the stink bugs enter your home or call a professional pest control company such as the Synergy² Pest Control Service Company if there is already a stink bug infestation.
Stink Bug Prevention: Top 10 Tips to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
- Seal Off Entry Points
- Replacing and Restoration
- Turn Off the Lights
- Reduce Moisture Sites
- Eliminate Food Sources
- Ventilate
- Inspect Your Products and Belongings
- Property Landscape
- Think Before Squishing
- Vacuum or Sweep
Seal Off Entry Points
Spend some time checking the exterior of your house for easy entry points for stink bugs. Pay special attention to the areas surrounding siding, behind chimneys, and behind wood fascia or other openings. Use a high-quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk to seal any cracks or gaps that you find.
Replacing and Restoration
Since stink bugs can invade the home through even the tiniest cracks, it’s critical to repair or replace broken screens on windows and doors. Check for ripped stripping and loose grout as well. If required, the installation of door sweeps can also be an option to consider.
Turn Off the Lights
Since lights draw stink bugs, it’s best to keep exterior lighting to a minimum. To avoid light from streaming outdoors in the evenings, switch off porch lights and close window blinds.
Reduce Moisture Sites
Many infestations of insects can be avoided by removing any moisture build-up in your house. Look for broken or leaking pipes, as well as clogged drains.
Eliminate Food Sources for Stink Bugs
Another way to get rid of stink bugs is to take away their feeding source. Keep food in airtight containers and dispose of waste in enclosed containers daily. Also, make sure to clean down the cabinets and vacuum the surfaces to remove crumbs and spill residue.
Ventilate
To avoid harborage sites, ventilate the homes basement, attic, and garage. You can also begin to dehumidify in these areas by using a dehumidifier. You can also place screens over the chimney and attic vents.
Inspect Your Products and Belongings
Before taking products such as groceries or items from the departmental store inside, inspect them. Stink bugs can land on these products and belongings and settle in to make themselves at home once inside.
Sanitation in Landscape
Try to trim branches and shrubbery to prevent stink bugs from having a place to make their home. Furthermore, keep firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches above the ground.
Think Before Squishing
Many people’s first reaction when they come across a stink bug is to squash it. Stink bugs tend to emit a foul-smelling, foul-tasting odor from pores on the sides of their bodies when disturbed or crushed. The origin of the pest’s name is from the smell emitted from the bug.
Vacuum or Sweep
How can you get rid of stink bugs after they’ve infiltrated your home? To get rid of them, use a vacuum cleaner or sweep them up. Dead stink bugs leave a stain inside the vacuum bag that can stink up your house, so dispose of it right away to avoid odor from spreading.
Having Trouble Getting Rid of Stink Bugs in Your Home?
Remember that stink bugs can be prevented and controlled before they become a nuisance in your house. If you think a stink bug infestation has already begun, call a licensed pest control specialist such as Synergy² Pest Control Service Company to assess the seriousness of the problem and determine the appropriate plan of action for stink bug prevention and control.
If you’re looking for the right team to handle the issue for you, Synergy² is here to help. We provide trusted services throughout the area, so contact us for the best pest control services around.
Feel free to read more about us and decide if Synergy² is the right company for you. We have over 270 Five-Star Google reviews for pest control service in the Jackson metro area (Jackson/Madison/Brandon/Ridgeland). Check out our newest location reviews for pest control service in Jackson, MS here at Synergy² Jackson Pest Control!