When temperatures begin to drop, many believe their war with bugs is ending. Though this is true for many bugs, some search for places to stay warm during the winter and your home is the perfect spot. One pest you’re likely to smell before you see is the stink bug. We’ve gathered information about stink bugs to help you identify and eliminate an infestation.
What Do Stink Bugs Look Like?
There are about 200 species of stink bugs in North America. While most are brown, some may be green or gray. Stink bugs have a shield-shaped body. One of the most common home-invading stink bugs is the brown marmorated stink bug. This stink bug is grayish-brown and speckled. They have light bands on their antennae and dark bands on their wings. They grow to about 3/4" in length. Nymphs are small and have a yellow and red body with red eyes. After five molts, nymphs enter adulthood.
Where Can Stink Bugs Be Found?
There are some stink bug species native to North America, but the brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species. This bug is native to eastern Asia, and it was introduced to the United States in the mid-1990s. Stink bugs are most often found in the eastern part of the United States, but they have been spotted throughout the country.
These bugs emerge in spring after spending the winter months in a dormant phase known as diapause. During winter, they are likely to hide in the walls and attics of homes.
What Do Stink Bugs Eat?
Adult stink bugs feed on fruit, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Nymph stink bugs will feed on the leaves and stems of plants. Adult stink bugs attach green eggs to plant leaves that nymphs can feed on after hatching.
Are Stink Bugs Dangerous?
Stink bugs enter homes hoping to find a warm place to hide during the winter months. One of the main problems with a stink bug infestation is how quickly these bugs can spread. Depending on environmental conditions, stink bugs can produce up to three generations per year. They lack many natural predators, which means nothing is helping to control their numbers.
Another concern is the odor they release. If they feel threatened, they release a chemical through glands on their abdomen. This chemical can leave stains on furniture, walls, and flooring. They also release pheromones that alert other stink bugs to their location.
They are good at hiding, which can become a problem when temperatures rise in spring and they emerge in your home. Thankfully, stink bugs aren’t known to bite or cause structural damage.
Signs of a Stink Bug Infestation
Catching an infestation early will make it easier to control a stink bug problem. Check out a few signs that you’re dealing with stink bugs.
- Stink Bug Sightings: Spotting stink bugs is the easiest way to identify an infestation. While you may find just one stink bug hanging out, it is likely that there are more hiding in your home. They enjoy gathering in sunny parts of your house since this will help them stay warm
- Noticing an Unpleasant Odor: Noticing an unpleasant odor can also help you identify a stink bug problem. The slightest disturbance could cause them to emit their odor. The more stink bugs you have, the stronger the scent will be in your home.
- Changes to Your Plants’ Appearance: Adults and nymphs feed on the juices of plants, which can result in tiny holes and discoloration to leaves. Adult stink bugs may also feed on fruits and vegetables, causing damage.
How to Prevent Stink Bugs
One of the best ways to avoid a pest problem is to implement prevention techniques. We’ve made a list of tips to help prevent stink bugs from invading your home.
- Seal Cracks & Gaps: Stink bugs are small and flat and can fit into tiny places. Make sure to seal cracks and crevices to keep them from slipping inside. Check the screens on your doors and windows, and repair any tears. Common entry points include door frames, window frames, and electrical outlets, so pay close attention to these areas.
- Minimize Moisture & Food Sources: Like all bugs, stink bugs need moisture and food. Check for leaky pipes to avoid moisture-build up. Store your fruits and vegetables in containers or in the refrigerator where stink bugs can’t access them.
- Reduce Lighting: Stink bugs are attracted to light. Keep you blinds closed at night to avoid attracting them. Use yellow light bulbs instead of white light bulbs in your exterior lights, since warm-hued lights are less attractive to bugs.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
If stink bugs have chosen your home as their winter vacation spot, you’ll want to act quickly. Check out a few tips to help you get rid of these pests.
- Use a Vacuum or Broom: Carefully vacuum or sweep up any stink bugs you find in your home. You’ll want to place them in a sealed bag before discarding the bag in an outdoor trash can. It’s important to remember not to crush these bugs because you’ll be left with a foul odor.
- Use Pest Control Products: Our plant-based Home Bug Spray and Yard Bug Spray kill stink bugs and provide residual repellency protection. This means you can eliminate an infestation and can also help to keep them from returning to your home. When used as directed, our products provide you with a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
No one wants an uninvited guest in their home, especially stink bugs. Taking a few precautionary measures can help keep your home free of these smelly pests. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.