Stink Bug Infestation Prevention Tips
In the early spring, homeowners sometimes find big green or brown bugs crawling on the walls or flying around the windows in their homes. If they don’t recognize the bugs, homeowners might swat them or step on them. They quickly learn why these bugs are called “stink bugs”.
Due to the unpleasant initial experience, most homeowners, upon seeing these bugs again, prefer to use a vacuum cleaner to remove these pests from their walls and windows. However, they sometimes discover that the smell can linger in the vacuum for some time.
Some species of stink bugs invade homes in the fall when the weather starts to turn cool. They cluster on the outside of the home for warmth. When they find holes or cracks, they move inside the home. They find hiding places in attics, crawl spaces, and inside of wall voids.
The bugs stay hidden through the winter. When springtime comes, the bugs start to move around. They seek a way out, but they often come out inside the living space of the home.
Homeowners can help prevent stink bug invasions by making a thorough inspection of the outside of the home. Doors and windows should be checked for cracks and torn screens. Weather stripping can help seal gaps under exterior doors. Attic and crawl space vents should be checked for torn or missing screens.
The most effective control for overwintering stink bugs is prevention. Once inside the wall voids, they are extremely difficult to control. They do not feed or reproduce while indoors but may reappear on a warm winter day or in the spring. Once a home experiences a stink bug invasion, they are likely to have a re occurrence in the next fall. A pest control professional should be contacted help develop and implement a plan to keep this from happening.