Commercial and Residential Pest Control Services | Dodson Bros. Exterminating Co., Inc.
If you’ve ever accidentally disturbed a stink bug, you’re probably familiar with the unpleasant odor they secrete when threatened. Stink bugs are most commonly found in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, but can be found in almost any warm climate.
In this article, we’ll discuss what stink bugs look like and what attracts them. We’ll also offer a few tips for stink bug prevention and removal around your home.
Stink bugs have a distinctive shield-like shape and are typically around the size of a dime. Adult stink bugs are usually green or brown. There are different species of stink bugs, but the brown marmorated stink bug is the most common variety that homeowners will encounter.
However, stink bugs aren’t infamous for their appearance alone. These overwintering pests are best known for their foul odor that’s often described as being similar to rotten cilantro. This scent is secreted from their pores when they are threatened, handled, or disturbed. Brown marmorated stink bugs aren’t dangerous themselves, but their tendency to invade homes in large numbers can be a nuisance for homeowners.
Like many other pests, stink bugs most often make their way into homes during the fall and winter months in search of a food source. Stink bugs feed on a variety of field crops and plants including soybeans, trees, and even fruits and vegetables that can be found inside your home. Stink bugs are most attracted to overripe, damaged, or decaying fruit and vegetation. Stink bugs are also considered phototrophic insects, which means that they’re attracted to light sources.
Prevention is the best way to tackle a stink bug problem, and there are a few steps you can take to keep stink bugs out of your home in the first place:
Getting rid of stink bugs isn’t always an easy task, as they’re known to be a hardy species. Additionally, stink bugs secrete a pheromone that attracts other stink bugs to their location, and the scent doesn’t just disappear after the stink bug is killed. This means that it’s especially important to tackle stink bug problems as soon as possible. There are a few DIY treatments available for stink bug removal:
Essential oils: Using essential oils for pest control has become increasingly popular over the last couple of decades. Some common essential oils used for pest management are rosemary and peppermint. It’s important to note that essential oil treatments aren’t regulated by the FDA, and it can be tough to determine if these methods work.
Stink bug traps: Stink bug traps can be purchased at most major home improvement stores. There are multiple types of stink bug traps available, including traps that light up. As stink bugs fly around, they’ll move towards the trap. Sticky traps are also available, which work by catching stink bugs with a glue-like substance. These traps are most effective if you only have a handful of stink bugs.
Vacuum cleaners: Vacuum cleaners are probably the most straightforward method to get rid of a few stink bugs here or there. If you do vacuum stink bugs for removal, make sure to get rid of the vacuum bag immediately and dispose of it as far away from your home as possible.
While DIY treatments may help reduce stink bugs found around your home, they’re not particularly effective at treating more severe infestations. Contacting a professional pest control company is the best option if you’re dealing with more than just a few stink bugs.
If you’re experiencing a stink bug infestation in your home, professional treatments are the best way to tackle the problem. Our team of professionals at Dodson Pest Control can help you identify the root problem and entryways that stink bugs are taking advantage of. We also offer the right insecticides to control your stink bug problem quickly and effectively.
