How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs - MosquitoNix Pest Control
Stink bugs have earned their name for the unpleasant odor they produce. When undisturbed, these insects aren't all that stinky. But try to swat them, squash them or vacuum them up, and you're in for a nasty surprise. The smell they give off often seems to linger, making stink bugs a particularly irritating house guest. Learn where these weird-looking creatures came from, why they want to get inside your home and how to get rid of them from the pros at MosquitoNix® and our Pest Library.
Description
The brown marmorated stink bug is native to eastern Asia. It was discovered in the eastern U.S. in 2001 and is now considered a nuisance all over the states, as well as in Europe and South America. It is thought to have hitchhiked around the globe on cargo containers or other vehicles. These insects feature a unique shield shape and a mottled brown color. Their wings have dark bands on the front, and they typically measure about half an inch long. They do not sting or bite humans, though some people may have a mild allergic reaction to the odorous compounds they release when crushed. Stink bugs primarily eat fruits and vegetables and have caused crop damage to orchards and farms. They have few natural predators, other than the Asian native samurai wasp, which parasitizes stink bug eggs.
Breeding Habits
Females lay clutches of about 30 eggs on the underside of tree leaves in the spring. It takes a month or two for the eggs to hatch and mature through the brightly colored nymph stage into drab, winged adulthood. Females can lay multiple times while the weather is warm, but as daylight shortens, adult stink bugs slow activity and seek a place to hibernate for the winter. The adult lifespan is roughly six to eight months, depending on temperatures and predators.
Geography
Stink bugs are an invasive species in the U.S., Europe and South America that originated in eastern Asia. In autumn, stink bugs often cluster on the exterior of residential homes in sunny spots in order to stay warm. They'll squeeze inside through tiny cracks and look for a safe hiding place in a wall void, crawl space or attic. Most hibernate through the winter, then start to come out in spring, which is when stink bug infestations are detected.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
To keep stink bugs out, make sure to seal up any cracks or holes in your home's exterior. Cover attics and crawl spaces with screens, and consider adding weather stripping under exterior doors.
Stink bugs are usually very difficult to remove from your home on your own, especially during the winter season. Fortunately, the experts at MosquitoNix are here to help. Learn more about our specialized pest control solutions by getting a quote online today. We offer a range of exterior and interior treatments to keep stink bugs away.
Resources:
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/bean/brown_marmorated_stink_bug.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/stink-bugs-bite#damage
https://www.orkin.com/other/stink-bugs/long-do-stink-bugs-live