stinkbug Archives | Northwest Exterminating

Why Is A Stink Bug In Your Home A Problem?

Sep 13, 2024 | Pest Control

Stink bugs may not be the most dangerous pests, but their presence can be a major nuisance for homeowners in Georgia. Known for their distinctive shield-shaped bodies and the unpleasant odor they release when disturbed, these pests have become a common problem in recent years. The most notorious of these is the brown marmorated stink bug, a non-native species that has spread across the United States, including Georgia.

In this blog, we’ll explore why stink bugs are a problem, what attracts them to your home, and how to deal with an infestation. You’ll also learn what they eat, if they pose any risks to humans, and how to prevent them from getting inside.

What Stink Bugs Eat

Stink bugs, including the brown marmorated stink bug, are primarily herbivorous. They feed on a wide variety of plants, fruits, and crops, which is one of the reasons they are considered agricultural pests. In Georgia, they target common crops like peaches, soybeans, apples, and corn, causing significant damage to these plants.

Stink bugs use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw nutrients from fruits and vegetables, leaving behind small, discolored spots that can ruin the appearance and taste of the produce. Although they primarily feed on plants, stink bugs can also become a problem indoors as they seek warmth during cooler months.

What Attracts Stink Bugs to Your Home?

Stink bugs, especially adult stink bugs, are attracted to warm, sunny spots, which is why they tend to invade homes during the fall. As temperatures drop, these insects seek out warm, sheltered places to overwinter, and your home provides the perfect environment.

There are a few key factors that may attract stink bugs to your home:

Warmth: As cold weather approaches, stink bugs look for warm places to hibernate. Your home, especially if it’s well-insulated, offers a perfect environment for them.
Light: Stink bugs are drawn to light, particularly during the evening. Outdoor lights or bright indoor lights visible from the outside can attract these pests to your home.
Food Sources: If your home is near gardens or agricultural fields, stink bugs may be drawn to the plants and fruits around your property.
Cracks and Openings: Stink bugs can easily enter homes through cracks, gaps around windows and doors, and other openings. They are skilled at finding small entry points to get inside.

Do Stink Bugs Bite?

One of the most common questions homeowners have about stink bugs is whether they bite. Fortunately, stink bugs are not known to bite humans or pets. They don’t have the ability to pierce skin and are not aggressive toward people.

Although stink bugs don’t bite, they can still be an annoyance. Their presence in large numbers can be overwhelming, and their unpleasant odor, which is released as a defense mechanism, can linger in your home if they are crushed or disturbed.

Can Stink Bugs Fly?

Yes, stink bugs can fly. They have a distinctive flight pattern and make a noticeable buzzing sound when airborne. While their flight is somewhat clumsy, it allows them to move from one part of your home to another easily, making it more challenging to control an infestation.

Do Stink Bugs Pose Any Risks to Humans?

Stink bugs do not pose any direct health risks to humans. They don’t spread diseases, bite, or sting. However, their foul-smelling odor can cause discomfort, and in rare cases, some people may have allergic reactions to their odor or the chemicals they release.

The primary issue with stink bugs is their potential to invade homes in large numbers, especially during the fall and winter. Their presence can be a persistent nuisance, and their odor can make your home less pleasant to live in.

What to Do if Your Home Is Infested with Stink Bugs

If you’ve noticed an influx of stink bugs in your home, it’s important to take action quickly to avoid a full-blown infestation. Here are some steps you can take to manage a stink bug problem:

Don’t Crush Them: Although it may be tempting to squash stink bugs, doing so will release their signature unpleasant odor. Instead, try to remove them without triggering their defense mechanism.
Vacuum Them Up: One of the easiest ways to get rid of stink bugs indoors is to use a vacuum cleaner. Afterward, be sure to empty the vacuum bag to prevent the odor from lingering.
Seal Entry Points: Identify and seal any cracks, gaps, or other openings around windows, doors, and foundations where stink bugs might be getting inside.
Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Stink bugs are attracted to light, so minimizing the use of outdoor lighting can reduce the number of bugs that are drawn to your home.
Install Screens: Adding screens to windows, vents, and doors can help keep stink bugs from entering your home.

If the infestation persists or you’re dealing with a large number of stink bugs, it’s a good idea to contact a pest control company. Professional pest control services can help you manage the problem efficiently and provide long-term solutions.

Stink bugs may not pose significant health risks, but their presence can be a nuisance, especially when they invade your home in large numbers. Understanding what attracts stink bugs, how to prevent them from entering your home, and how to deal with an infestation can help you keep these pests under control.

If you’re dealing with a stink bug infestation or want to take preventive measures, contacting a local pest control company is the best way to ensure your home stays pest-free. Pest control professionals can assess the situation and provide tailored solutions to keep stink bugs and other pests from becoming a problem in your home.

Stinkbugs: What Are They?

Feb 8, 2022 | Pest Control

Have you ever seen those armor-shaped bugs on the walls in your home? If yes, then you have a stinkbug problem. These bugs are attracted to warmth and are in search of protected, overwintering sites where they can enter houses in large numbers. With the right preventative measures placed throughout your home, these pests can be put to a stop.

Stinkbugs are an invasive species that tend to release an odor when disturbed or crushed. These foreign pests are native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan and were first identified in the States in the late 90’s. While these overwintering pests do not possess any real threat to humans, they can become a nuisance when an infestation occurs.

Stinkbugs are known to feed on a variety of host plants, including fruits (e.g., apples, peaches, figs, apricots, and persimmons), many ornamental plants, and weeds. While these pests don’t spread disease or cause structural damage, they are considered more of a nuisance to people if they make their way indoors. Stinkbugs prefer moist, mild climates and can be found in bathrooms and kitchens. Stinkbugs spend the spring and summer seasons outdoors then will seek shelter from the winter elements indoors.

During the winter months, stinkbugs go into a phase known as diapause, which is like hibernation, where the bugs go inactive during the chilly weather. When the stinkbugs find a spot to overwinter, they release a pheromone that attracts other stinkbugs to their location. While they typically stay dormant until spring, unusually warm spells during the winter can bring them out full force.

If you meet stinkbugs in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to vacuum them up and immediately dispose of the bag. When stinkbugs are threatened, disturbed, or squashed, they emit a smell that has been described as anything from cilantro to rotting almonds to spoiled fruit. The best way to prevent stinkbugs is to ensure that all cracks, crevices, gaps, or holes in your foundation are fixed. They can also enter through chimneys, air conditioning vents, or underneath house siding. Check these areas throughout your house to make sure there are no openings or gaps to help prevent them from entering.

If you suspect you have a problem with stinkbugs, contact a professional local pest control company who can help identify any entry points pests may be using and provide a treatment plan to eliminate them. They can also use a preventative spray in the late summer/early fall to help keep them out before the overwintering season sets in.

What to Know About Overwintering Pests

Sep 22, 2021 | Pest Control

Overwintering is a common term used to describe pests and their activities that allow them to survive the colder temperatures. Overwintering pests will often seek comfort and shelter in homes and buildings because of their warmth. These pests can be especially sneaky and if you don’t take preventative measures as they can infest quickly. Here are some common overwintering pests and some easy do-it-yourself pest control tips to keep them outside of your house.

Stink Bugs

Stink bugs can infest homes in large numbers, especially during the fall. You can often find these bugs on the side of your home, where they can receive the most sunlight to keep warm. While these bugs aren’t harmful to humans, if crushed, they will emit an unpleasant odor.

Boxelder Bugs

One of the more aggressive species of overwintering pests, the boxelder bug has mouthparts are both piercing and capable of puncturing the skin if being handled. This can cause slight irritation and produce red spots, like mosquito bites. Crushing these bugs is not recommended, as their bodies will produce a strong odor and remains can leave a reddish stain on fabrics.

Lady Bugs

Ladybugs are considered harmless and deemed beneficial. They will often consume plant-eating insects such as aphids, mites, and scale insects, all of which can harm crops and plants in gardens; though if they invade your home, they can become a nuisance and can be difficult to get rid of.

Overwintering Pest Protection Tips

Seal or caulk all cracks and crevices around house foundations, siding, doors, windows, electrical, and plumbing.
Clean your yard by raking, keeping the grass cut, and picking up debris throughout the yard.
Use tight-fitting insect screens throughout your windows, screened doors, and attic vents.
Contact your local pest control company for routine maintenance and prevention.

Kudzu Bugs vs. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: What’s the Difference?

Nov 11, 2020 | Pest Control

Noticing small, greenish-brown bugs congregating throughout the cracks of your home’s foundation or even inside your house? While many might identify these insects as stinkbugs, they might actually kudzu bugs! Kudzu bugs and brown marmorated stinkbugs are often confused with each other. While these pests do have some similarities, they are quite different from each other. Let’s breakdown how these insects are both alike and different!

How They’re Alike

Kudzu Bug

Both stinkbugs and kudzu bugs are known to be a nuisance to all homeowners. Both are highly attracted to warmth and will enter homes to find a warm place to gather. When disturbed, both species will emit an alarming chemical defense against predators. When crushed, they release a very unpleasant odor from their bodies. Even worse, if several of these insects are crushed together, the smell left behind is extremely powerful.

How They’re Different

Stinkbug

A stinkbug’s shield-like body is around 1/2″ long and 1/2″ wide with shades of brown across its entire body. Their body size is a bit larger than a kudzu bug, with the kudzu’s measuring only 4 to 6 millimeters long. Kudzu bug bodies are olive green and brown, with a flat, squarish body shape.

Stinkbugs will typically feed off ornamental plants, fruit trees, legumes, and vegetables. The kudzu bug prefers to eat kudzu vines but will occasionally eat soybeans and most any other type of beans. While both stinkbugs and kudzu bugs utilize different types of food sources, both will destroy crops, making both species agricultural pests.

How to Prevent Them

If you notice either of these pests infesting your home, try some of these pest prevention tips below:

Seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, and outlets that are leading inside.
Properly ventilate basements, attics, garages, and crawlspaces to eliminate harborage points.
Install screens over chimney and crawlspace vents.
Consider calling your local pest control company to inspect, identify areas of entry, and provide you with a treatment plan!

Where Are These Stinkbugs Coming From?

Feb 28, 2020 | DIY, DIY Pest Control, Pest Control

As the weather warms up overwintering pests will begin to wake up and make their way outdoors. One of these is the brown marmorated stinkbug. While these household pests don’t sting, bite, or carry any diseases, they can become a nuisance when they get inside your home. In fact, once you see stinkbugs inside, it’s usually too late to do anything to keep them out.

The brown marmorated stinkbug is native to Asia but was later introduced in the United States. They prefer moist, temperate climates like those of the Eastern US and the Pacific Northwest. Stinkbugs feed on soybeans, corn, fruit, vegetables, and ornamental plants that grow close to homes. Stinkbugs spend the spring and summer seasons outdoors then will seek shelter from the winter elements indoors – often entering your home through cracks, crevices, gaps or holes in your foundation, through chimneys, air conditioning vents, or underneath siding. The prefer homes with lots of trees around and will gravitate to the upper floors of a home.

During the winter months, stinkbugs go into a phase known as diapause, which is similar to hibernation, where the bugs go inactive during the cold weather. When the stinkbugs find a spot to overwinter, they release a pheromone that attracts other stinkbugs to their location. While they typically stay dormant until spring, unusually warm spells during the winter can bring them out full force.

If you encounter stinkbugs in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to vacuum them up and immediately dispose of the bag. When stinkbugs are threatened, disturbed, or squashed, they emit a smell that has been described as anything from cilantro to rotting almonds to spoiled fruit.

The best way to control stinkbugs is to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place. Here are 9 prevention tips for keeping stinkbugs out.

Seal Them Out. Carefully inspect the exterior of your home to identify potential entry points for stinkbugs. Check around siding and utility pipes, behind chimneys, and under fascia. Seal any problem spots with silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Close chimney flues when not in use.
Repair. Check doors and windows for any damage. Repair or replace damaged screens. Check weatherstripping and replace if necessary. Check for loose mortar. Install door sweeps if possible.
Turn Off Lights. Stinkbugs are attracted to light. Try to keep outdoor lighting to a minimum. After dark, turn porch lights off and pull down blinds in your home to reduce the amount of light spilling out from indoors.
Keep It Dry. Stinkbugs, like other seasonal pests, need water to survive. Check carefully for leaking pipes and faucets and repair them immediately.
Get Rid of Food. Keep food stored in airtight containers. Dispose of your garbage regularly. Wipe down countertops daily and sweep and mop often.
Air It Out. Keep areas that stinkbugs can use as a harborage point (garages, crawlspaces, attics, and basements) well ventilated. Consider using a dehumidifier in these areas. Install screens over chimney and attic vents.
Check It Out. Stinkbugs can hitch a ride into your home in boxes and bags. Carefully inspect any boxes you are bringing in from storage and any grocery bags before you bring them into your home.
Landscaping. Keep branches and shrubbery well trimmed so they are not in contact with the house. Keep grass mowed and leaves raked. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house and at least 5 inches off the ground.
Call A Pro. If you suspect you have a problem with stinkbugs, contact a professional pest control company who can help identify any entry points the bugs may be using and help to eliminate them. They can also use a preventative spray in the late summer/early fall to help keep them out before overwintering season sets in.