Why stink bugs

Stink bugs are attracted to bright lights, Ruiz explains. Stink bugs usually sneak inside through cracks, crevices, gaps, and holes in foundations and roofs, Ruiz says. They also come in through windows and door frames. Stink bugs like to congregate in agricultural fields, orchards, shrubs, trees, and large gardens because they are herbivores. So if you happen to live near one of those areas, they may simply move from their usual location to your warmer home.

When stink bugs go into diapause in nature, they prefer to chill out under the bark of a dead tree or hang under a big, rocky crevice. So if your home is dark in color with natural siding, stink bugs might mistake it for its typical hangout spot, causing them to collect in your home, Raupp says. There are a few things you can do to get rid of stink bugs, and it involves a combination of prevention and removal efforts.

Look for cracks around vents, windows, door frames, utility boxes, and baseboards, and seal them up using caulk, foam sealant, weather stripping tape, sweeps, mesh screens, or whatever material makes sense for that particular area, Raupp says. Stink bugs gain entry into structures through cracks, crevices, gaps and holes in foundations, window and door frames, soffits, attics, and underneath siding. Overwintering populations are particularly large in structures that are located close to agricultural fields, fruit orchards, large gardens , and other places where infested ornamental shrubs and trees that attract stink bugs reside.

Exclusion is the first step in keeping stink bugs out of a structure. Sealing around windows, door frames, under wooden fascia boards, siding, pipes, and around water spigots is a must. Tight-fitting screens with no holes will reduce the likelihood of the bugs entering through roof vents. If you have a fireplace, closing the flu when not in use is another good way to exclude bugs from the inside of the home. If stink bugs happen to make it inside, it is best to remove them with a vacuum.

If you have a small population indoors, simply removing them with a tissue or paper towel and placing them in an outdoor receptacle will suffice. Homeowners who want to prevent stink bugs from invading should start by inspecting the outside of the home carefully. Cracks around windows and doors can be entryways for bugs.

These cracks can be sealed with caulk. Caulk can also seal holes around pipes and cables that enter the home. Attic and crawl space vents should be screened. Torn or damaged window screens should also be repaired. When faced with stink bug invasions, pest control professionals can develop a pest control strategy and select the most effective next steps. Do Stink Bugs Bite?

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs. Stink Bug Traps. Stink Bugs and Cedar Spray. Stink Bugs and Citrus. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately to prevent odor from permeating the area, as dead stink bugs leave a residue inside the bag that can stink up your home.

Remember that homes can be pre-treated for stink bugs before they become a problem. But, if you suspect an infestation has already developed, contact a licensed pest professional to assess the severity problem and evaluate the best course of stink bug control.

To learn more about where stink bugs came from, click here. Stink bugs are an invasive species that release a smelly odor when crushed. Find out how to keep them out of your home this fall.

Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species known to be a major threat to agriculture. Find out how to prevent and dispose of them. Tickborne Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever present similar symptoms, so it's important to know the differences between the two. Advanced Search International Search. Stink Bug Prevention: 10 Tips to Keep This Smelly Pest at Bay We know that fall has arrived when the leaves begin to change, the air becomes crisp and the smell of pumpkin pie fills the house.

Best Advice for Stink Bug Control As the temperatures continue to drop and people begin preparing for the winter months, consider pest proofing the home, both inside and out, to prevent stink bugs and other pests from becoming unwelcome houseguests this fall.

For those wondering how to get rid of stink bugs, here are 10 simple steps that homeowners can take right now to keep this smelly pest at bay: 1. Seal off entry points.