With fall comes beautiful leaves changing colors, bright cheerful pumpkins, and the cool crisp fresh air that makes us all want to spend more time outdoors. But the start of the fall season can also bring an unpleasant pest along with it: stink bugs.
These large beetle-like insects get their name from the smelly odor they produce when threatened. They are content to stay outdoors during the warm summer months, but they start to sneak into homes away from the cold during the fall.
At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we know all too well the struggles home owners face when it comes to getting rid of stink bugs. Here is everything you need to know about the stink bug invasion in fall.
What do stink bugs look like?
The most common types of stink bugs are brown in color. They have oval bodies that taper into a triangular point like a shield. They have wings on the tops of their backs and their six legs extend far out from their bodies.
Why do stink bugs smell bad?
The stench that give stink bugs their name is caused by a chemical they release when they feel threatened. In the wild, this acts as a defense mechanism from predators. The smell itself is herby and similar to cilantro, and it can last for hours. If you need to squash a stink bug or remove it from your house, do it carefully to avoid stinking things up.
What brings stink bugs indoors?
During warmer seasons, stink bugs munch happily on plants outdoors. Just before the weather turns cold, stink bugs look for spaces to spend the cold winter. You can commonly find them inside walls or attics, or in crawl spaces below houses. After winter is over, they will attempt to crawl back out of hiding to resume their lives in the sunshine.
Do stink bugs bite or sting?
Although stink bugs have menacing mouths that fall into the piercing and sucking category, they only use them to eat plants. Unlike ticks or bed bugs, they do not feed on human blood. Since their smelly chemicals serve as a primary defense, stink bugs don’t need to bite or sting to protect themselves.
How do I prevent stink bugs?
Seal up any cracks or openings in windows, doors, siding, pipes, outlets, etc. so that stink bugs can’t sneak inside. Use yellow bulbs for your outdoor lighting, because it is less visible and less attractive to many different types of bugs. Make sure any screen doors or windows are fully intact so that stink bugs can’t slip through the spaces.
How do I get rid of stink bugs?
If your house is already infested with stink bugs, you need to be careful when you remove them to avoid a long-lasting smelly odor. Many homeowners use a vacuum cleaner to suction stink bugs away rather than try to usher them outside or squash them.
Are you experiencing a stink bug invasion this fall?
If stink bugs have invaded your home this fall and you can’t seem to get rid of them, it is time to call in professional help. Our team of pest control experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services is fully equipped to help you solve the problem.
If you can’t shake off the stink bugs in your home, count on ABC Home & Commercial Services to eliminate them for good.
