What are these stinky pests?

Stink bugs are insects known as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) that found their way to North America during the late 1990s. It is said that they came to the eastern United States from Taiwan, China, Korea or Japan. With the help of the Agriculture Department’s Crop Research team, new management solutions are being developed to protect our homes and food supply.

Their brown shield-like shape and the smelly odor they emit when crushed helps to identify the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs. It seems that these bugs are now becoming an annoyance in homes throughout the east coast and spreading further to the western states of the U.S. These brown stinky pests are no longer just an issue for the farmer. They do not harm humans or cause interior damage to structures, but they have become a menace in homes, and businesses requiring Stink Bug Control.

Stink bugs can easily create havoc in and around the home

These pests are trouble. The BMSB easily destroy the ornamental plants around a home. They are very fond of vegetables, fruit, nut plants, shrubs, and other plants found in backyard gardens. The stink bug’s mouth has tiny needle-like projections that aids in their recovery of nutrients from their favorite plants. There are over fifty different varieties of vegetation that attract the stink bug.

Due to the cooler weather and diminishing availability of food and water they will start to look for a place to overwinter. Like many other flying insects, as the weather changes, they look for a warm home to nest. The stink bug will choose to overwinter in your home if they are given an opportunity, and will overrun any home leaving, it smelling like dirty feet.

Be Concerned if a Stink Bug is Spotted…

Flying around the living areas of the home
Near indoor lighting, light shades, draperies or blinds
Around the kitchen or bathroom looking for water sources
Near or in the family’s pet water dishes or fish bowls
Looking for food near indoor ornamental plants

Preventive Measures to Take for Stink Bug Control

Stink Bug Control begins with an inspection of your property as soon as a BMSB is spotted. Having a licensed pest control expert spray the exterior and interior of the home is helpful. It does not stop there; repeated applications may be required. Checking the exterior of the home for openings, holes, and cracks fends off an invitation to any flying insect who is looking for a suitable place to overwinter. They sense the cooler weather approaching faster than humans. Finding evidence of these pests too late may mean they will be visiting throughout the long winter season. Entomologists suggest avoiding the temptation to step on these pests due to the nasty smell they emit when crushed. Best practices recommended to rid the home of these pests are to vacuum them up or flush them down the toilet.

Remember to Inspect the exterior of the home for:

Cracks and openings in the fascia or stucco walls
Old and cracking caulking around incoming utility wires, cables, water pipes, and vents
Holes in door and window screens

Repairing these items will help keep stink bugs at bay. These smelly insects search for warm areas of the home and can flatten their bodies to fit into the tightest crack. Proper preventive maintenance of the home will keep it that Home Sweet Home.