Stink bugs are appropriately named: these shield-shaped little bugs release a terrible odor when threatened or crushed. But why do stink bugs stink? How can you rid your home of them without stinking up your house?
Keep reading to learn more about the stink bug, from the pest pros at ScherZinger Pest Control.
Why Do Stink Bugs Stink?
Stink bugs get their name for their smelly defense mechanism. When threatened or harmed, stink bugs release a strong odor. (Think of them as the insect version of a skunk.) Typically, people describe the odor as an unpleasant version of cilantro or like rotten vegetables.
Scientists think the smell may serve two purposes. First, it can protect them from predators: the strong smell makes them an unappealing target for birds, bats, spiders, and the other predators that normally eat them. Second, the smell can serve as a warning of danger for other stink bugs.
Stink bug odor can last for minutes up to days. If released into the air, the smell usually dissipates quickly. If released into something like fabric, however, the smell can last for hours or longer. (The fabric may even require professional cleaning to fully get the smell out.)
How Do Stink Bugs Stink?
Stink bugs release their smell via the glands in their thorax. From the glands, a chemical composition is released onto their exoskeleton. From there, the chemicals evaporate into the air.
What Should You Do If Your Home Has Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are a very common fall past in the Tri-State area. This insect often comes into homes in droves in search of a warm place to “hibernate.” (You can read our previous post about what pests do in the winter.) Their main diet is plants, so if you have a garden around your home or lots of indoor plants, stink bugs will want to stick around.
As we mentioned above, stink bugs typically stink when they are threatened or harmed. For this pest, being moved, handled, or swept up with a broom or vacuum counts as being “threatened.” That can make stink bugs a tricky pest to eliminate from your home: when getting rid of them, you could be left with a horrible, lingering odor to deal with.
If only a few stink bugs are present, you can sweep them up and quickly dispose of them outside. For larger numbers, you can use a vacuum to sweep them up. Of course, this can unfortunately stink up your vacuum. (Ideally, you’d use a vacuum with a disposable bag that you could throw away outside your home.)
Of course, the best way to deal with stink bugs is to prevent them from coming into your home in the first place. We recommend taking some time to seal up cracks around the outside of your home, replace torn weatherstripping, and fix any gaps around doors and windows. A well-sealed home will help keep out not only stink bugs but also many other unwanted pests.
Need Help with Pests?
If you’re facing an invasion of stink bugs or another troublesome pest, we can help.
Contact Scherzinger Pest Control, a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton, OH, and now Columbus, OH. We’ve been pioneers, engineering new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-877-748-9888 or through our website, Facebook, or Twitter.
