Stink bugs are a relatively new species of insect in Pennsylvania, and they’ve made an odorous impression. Learn more about these bugs and how we treat them.
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What Stinkbugs Look Like
The stink bug, or more specifically, the brown marmorated stink bug, has only been in Pennsylvania since 1998. The word marmorated refers to the veiny, marble-like pattern that appears across its shield-like shape.
Why Stink Bugs Are Bad
Much like odorous ants, stink bugs are not a direct threat to humans or pets. They don’t sting, but they do stink, which is why many homeowners want to get rid of them. Stink bugs are also damaging to plants and to agriculture in general. In large numbers, they can destroy fruit and vegetable crops, including those in the home garden.
What to Do If You Spot a Stink Bug
If you see stink bugs around your house, try to avoid stepping on them or crushing them, as these actions trigger the release of their unpleasantly powerful smell. Instead, try to gently brush them outside and note where in your home you found them.
Because these bugs are attracted to warmth and shelter, homeowners often notice them in the spaces between window panes and between exterior and storm doors. Properly caulking these areas and sealing them with weather stripping can help prevent them from getting inside.
Preventing Stink Bugs
Prevention is key to controlling stink bugs. Because they tend to seek out the warmth of your home as the weather cools you should do these now.
- Seal gaps: Use latex or silicone caulk to seal openings around windows, pipes and wires entering the home.
- Keep up with home maintenance: Repair cracks near the foundation, torn window screens, and missing weather stripping around doors.
- Adjust your lighting: Stink bugs are attracted to light so cut back on outdoor lighting that illuminates your home
Removing Stink Bugs
Once stink bugs become smelly roommates, your most effective approach is to remove them. Try these methods to get rid of stinkbugs.
- Set traps: There are any number of traps you can purchase or DIY to help rid your home of stink bugs and most of them are moderately effective.
- Suck them up: A vacuum will effectively and reliably remove the stink bugs, however, you should probably designate a separate machine for this purpose because the smell will linger in the vacuum even after you empty the unit.
- Drown them: Stink bugs cannot swim so a great way to get rid of them is to prepare a bowl with water and dish soap then collect the stink bugs and drop them into the solution.
How We Treat for Stinkbugs
Our technicians will help identify points of entry and suggest repairs to help prevent future infestations. Chemical products will be applied around possible stink bug entry points.
Based on your inspection, the initial application and any reapplications of products may be required to treat other stink bugs that fly to the property and attempt to get inside.