Stink bugs are those creatures you are told not to kill, for if you do, they will emit a terrible smell. For those who may not know, stink bugs are insects characterized by a distinctive shield-like shape and are usually mottled brown or gray. They emit a foul odor when threatened by glands in their abdomen. You may ask, beyond the foul smell, which is a significant concern, what other issues can they cause? They seem harmless. While they are not as dangerous as other pests, they still can pose a serious threat to the health of people living in your household and you. In this article, we will discuss the dangers they cause, when they are most active, steps you can take to mitigate the risks, and when to call a  stink bug pest control service.

When are stink bugs most active in households?

Stink bugs are most common in households during the fall season. The primary reason for this is the temperature. As the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, stink bugs seek warmer places to avoid the cold. During the winter, stink bugs enter a state of dormancy known as diapause, where they do not feed. It is essential, therefore, for them to find a suitable place; households usually provide an ideal environment for them. This can generally create a domino effect; if one bug finds a shelter site, it releases pheromones that attract other bugs to the exact location. 

Where can you find them and what kind of harm can they cause?

You can find stink bugs in areas such as attics, near windows or doors, cracks and spaces in the wall, or crawl spaces. While it is true that stink bugs don’t cause structural damage to your property, they can cause harm in other ways. They can contaminate food items, especially fruits and vegetables, making them unsuitable for consumption. Regarding the issue of odor, it can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals. 

How to prevent a stink bug infestation?

Instead of dealing with an infestation, preventing one is the more cost-effective solution. There are many ways to do this, including: 

Sealing Entry Points – Random openings around the house are common ways that stink bugs and other insects enter people’s homes. Using materials such as caulk to seal gaps around windows or doors can help block them from entering. 

Focus on Window Screens – Ensuring that your window screens are not damaged is also very important, as broken screens are another common point of entry. If it is broken, ensure that you repair it immediately. It is also essential to ensure that there is proper sealing around your windows and doors to prevent gaps where stink bugs can enter. 

Water & Food Sources – Another effective method is to eliminate food and water sources that attract stink bugs. Making sure to clean up any leftover food and ensuring there are no crumbs around the house can also help reduce the likelihood that stink bugs will enter your home. Eliminate Standing Water – Standing water can also attract stink bugs; therefore, it would be helpful to repair leaky pipes and faucets and ensure proper drainage throughout your home. 

Exterior Lights Can Also Attract Stink Bugs – Eliminating attractants outside your house is also effective. Stink bugs are attracted to light; turning off exterior lights or relocating them to another area may prove helpful. 

Clean up Your Yard – It also helps to clean up your garden to make sure that stink bugs have no place to hide, such as in dead leaves. 

How to get rid of stink bugs already inside?

Okay, so you didn’t prevent them, and now they’re in the house. No worries, there are absolutely ways to handle this issue as well. It is important to state from the get-go, DO NOT CRUSH THEM YOURSELF, unless you want your house to stink for a bit. 

To quickly eliminate them, a helpful method is to use a vacuum cleaner and dispose of the bag immediately outside. 

Another solution is to mix soap and water and spray it on the bugs; the soap disrupts their ability to float, thereby drowning them. 

It is also important not to use insecticides inside the house, most of them are not effective against stink bugs and may be harmful if used indoors. 

Can Pest Control Get Rid of Stink Bugs & When to Seek Help From Professional Services?

If stink bugs have already migrated into your home, it’s best to contact a pest control service to help manage the infestation. Professionals can inspect your home and perform treatments using approved methods to treat the perimeter and interior as needed.

These services are provided by professionals who understand how to best address the issue based on factors unique to your situation. They are also able to implement preventive measures to ensure that an infestation like this does not occur again. If you are looking for services that offer Pest Control in Aurora, Naperville & surrounding areas in Northern Illinois, feel free to contact Yosemite Pest and Rodent Solutions, Inc at (630) 779-7674.