As temperatures drop, many homeowners notice an increase in unwelcome guests: brown marmorated stink bugs. Originating from Asia, these pests first appeared in the United States in the 1990s and have since spread to 47 states, becoming a significant nuisance both in agriculture and households. Recognizable by their shield-shaped bodies, mottled gray-brown coloring, and the distinctive odor they emit when disturbed, stink bugs seek shelter in warm homes during the colder months. This guide will provide comprehensive steps to remove these pests and prevent future infestations, ensuring a stink bug-free home.
Understanding Stink Bugs
The brown marmorated stink bug, approximately the size of a dime, is easily identified by its mottled gray-brown coloring and the light and dark bands on its antennae and abdomen. These bugs emit an unpleasant odor, often likened to cilantro, when threatened or squashed. Not everyone is sensitive to the smell, so you might have an infestation even if you don’t notice the odor.
Stink bugs are notorious agricultural pests, feeding on over 60 different species of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. In households, they don’t bite, sting, or cause structural damage but can gather in large numbers and release their noxious odor when disturbed. Their ability to release a pheromone that attracts other stink bugs can lead to infestations in the hundreds or even thousands.
What Attracts Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are attracted to various plants outdoors but seek warm shelter indoors when the weather turns cold. During winter, they enter a dormant phase
the home, their presence can be quite bothersome due to their odor and the sheer number of bugs that can gather. Understanding what attracts stink bugs and how they behave is crucial in effectively managing and preventing infestations.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in the House
Although commercial insecticides can kill some stink bugs, they are generally ineffective and do not offer a long-term solution. The most effective methods involve physical removal and deterrence.
Physical Removal
- Vacuum or Sweep Up Stink Bugs
- Vacuum: Use a regular or wet/dry vacuum, focusing on the hose to avoid crushing the bugs. After vacuuming, clean the vacuum to remove the odor. If infestations are frequent, consider dedicating a vacuum for this purpose. Alternatively, slip a knee-high stocking over the vacuum hose to catch the bugs, secure it with a rubber band, and discard the bugs in a tied plastic bag.
- Wet Vac: Fill the bottom of the canister with soapy water to kill the bugs when vacuumed. Dispose of them in a tightly sealed plastic bag, placed in a trash can away from the house.
- Dry Vac: Avoid using bagless models. Place the full vacuum bag into a plastic bag, tie it, and dispose of it outside. You can also empty the vacuum contents into a bucket of soapy water before discarding.
- Sweep: Sweep bugs directly into a bucket of soapy water and dispose of them in a tied plastic bag outside the house.
- Spray Them with Soapy Water
- Mix a few teaspoons of dish soap in a spray bottle filled with water. A direct hit will kill the stink bug.
- Build a Stink Bug Trap
- Fill a foil roasting pan with water and add a few squirts of dish soap. Position a desk lamp to shine light on the water and leave it in a dark room overnight. The bugs are attracted to the light, fall into the water, and drown. Dispose of the bugs in a plastic bag.
- Immobilize Bugs with Hair Spray
- A spritz of hair spray can paralyze stink bugs, allowing you to drop them into a bucket of soapy water or take them outside. Use caution to avoid damaging surfaces with the hair spray.
- Use a Bug Zapper
- Stink bugs are attracted to light, including the blue UV light of bug zappers. Although not the most effective method, a bug zapper can help reduce their numbers. Note that bug zappers also kill beneficial insects.
How to Keep Stink Bugs Away
Preventing stink bugs from entering your home is key to avoiding future infestations. Here are some effective strategies:
- Caulk Around Windows and Doors
- Seal cracks around windows and doors, both inside and outside, with caulk to prevent entry points.
- Seal Gaps Around Utility Entry Points
- Check around plumbing pipes, AC lines, cables, and electrical conduits. Use plumber’s putty, sealant, spray foam, or other fillers to seal gaps.
- Keep Siding in Good Repair
- Regularly inspect your home’s siding for gaps and holes, caulking as needed to maintain a tight seal.
- Seal Off Crawl Spaces
- Ensure there are no openings to the outside and check for cracks in the walls.
- Remove Window Air Conditioners
- If possible, remove window AC units at the end of summer. If they must stay, seal any gaps and cover them before cold weather sets in.
- Weatherstrip Doors
- Inspect and replace damaged or worn weatherstripping around doors to prevent bugs from entering.
- Check Screens for Holes
- Repair or replace window and door screens with rips or tears. Install screens if your windows or doors don’t have them.
- Install Screens on Vents
- Screen gable vents, eave vents, and other openings to block stink bug access.
- Deter with Essential Oils
- Use clove, lemongrass, spearmint, or ylang-ylang essential oils to discourage stink bugs. Combine about 10 drops with water in a spray bottle and apply to windowsills, doorways, and other entry points. Alternatively, mix garlic powder with water and spray around entry points.
When to Call an Exterminator
These DIY strategies can manage a modest infestation, but if your home is overwhelmed by hundreds of stink bugs despite your efforts, it’s time to consult a professional. Pest control companies can employ various techniques, including vacuuming, applying specialized dusts and powders, and sealing or treating entry points. They can also provide advice on preventing future infestations.
Conclusion :
Dealing with stink bugs can be challenging, but with a combination of physical removal and preventive measures, you can significantly reduce their presence in your home. By sealing entry points, using deterrents like essential oils, and employing methods like vacuuming and soapy water traps, you can keep these pests at bay. For severe infestations, professional help may be necessary. Consistent vigilance and maintenance will ensure your home remains stink bug-free throughout the colder months.
source of the picture : bob vila
