The cool, crisp fall weather inevitably brings stink bugs to, and often inside, our front doors. As soon as the temperature begins its seasonal descent, many of us find our homes and offices plagued by these smelly insects as they desperately attempt to swarm anywhere its warm. Sure, we’re just about to hit our summer stride… but September will be here before we know it. Get the facts on this malodorous and invasive pest now, so you’re ready for it once autumn rolls around.

Stink Bugs: An Unwanted Guest

If you’ve ever lived through a heavy stink bug season, you may be hard-pressed to remember a time without these pesky critters. However, the brown marmorated stink bug is not native to the United States. These flyers are actually indigenous to China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. However, in 1996, the brown marmorated stink bug was struck with a severe case of wanderlust, somehow hitching a ride from Northeast Asia to its ultimate destination of Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Today, the insect resides in 44 total states, with dense populations in:

  •    Virginia
  •    Maryland
  •    Pennsylvania
  •    New York
  •    New Jersey
  •    Massachusetts

This busy buggy traveler has even gone bicoastal, making its first recorded arrival in California in 2005. A natural born survivor, the insect has adapted to its new Western environment, feeding on a multitude of readily available food sources such as fruits, vegetables, an ornamental plants.

Preparing For The Seasonal Stink Bug Infestation

Unlike parasites and pests that carry diseases, stink bugs are relatively harmless to humans and animals. These insects don’t sting, bite, or transmit any known sicknesses. However, as their name implies, stink bugs, well, stink. Their unsavory scent instantly makes them an unwanted guest inside any residential or commercial building.

If you’ve ever suffered through a stink bug onslaught, you know firsthand that once these critters work their way inside, they are tough to remove, making proactive prevention an effective means of control. Some essential tips and suggestions to keep these smelly pests at bay include:

  •    Seal unwanted entry points
  •    Check screens, windows, and doors
  •    Turn off lights when not in use
  •    Minimize moisture buildup around home perimeter
  •    Eliminate food sources inside the home
  •    Use a dehumidifier
  •    Stack firewood 20 feet away from home

How To Get Rid of Stink Bugs: Make the Vacuum Your New Best Friend

Of course, even the most prepared homeowner may still come face to face with a stink bug infestation. If it does happen and you are stuck wondering how to get rid of stink bugs, we have the answer.

use your vacuum cleaner to expedite the removal process. Just be sure to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag to minimize the risk of getting caught in the stink crossfire. Additionally, if the stink bug population in your home begins to get unwieldy, contact a professional pest control provider. A reputable pest control specialist can help create a customized plan of action to eliminate an existing swarm and help prevent future infestations to keep your home stink bug free.

 

Have an insect problem at your home? Pest Control Unlimited has you covered! Check out our quarterly programs to keep your homes bug free all year long. Contact us today or call us at (888) 649-9919 for a quote!