Stink bugs are on the rise this year – and in the fall, these insects can become a big problem as they become home invaders. The particular stink bug that is causing so much alarm is the brown marmorated stink bug. The brown marmorated stink bug is characterized by its shield-like shape, in varying tones of brown with gray, off-white, copper and bluish markings. The brown marmorated stink bug is native to Asia, but was accidentally introduced into the U.S. sometime the late 90s. The first report of the brown marmorated stink bug was in 1998 in Pennsylvania. Since then, stink bugs have grown rapidly in population because they have no natural predators. And while stink bugs are harmless to humans, they can be quite a nuisance as overwintering pests. Brown marmorated stink bugs seek shelter to hibernate during the winter months, invading homes in the fall and then fleeing in the spring. In general throughout the year, they migrate in numbers, and can sometimes cause large infestations.
Because these invaders are found to hide in siding, soffits and any crack they can find, review the following tips to help keep stink bugs from overrunning your home:
- Caulk windows inside and out
- Weather-strip entry doors and/or install door sweeps if daylight is visible around the perimeter
- Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from around your home’s foundation to keep from attracting pests
- Inspect for foundation cracks and seal them to block a potential point of entry
- Secure crawl space entries
- Clear and sweep up any dead bugs
While stink bugs are harmless to humans and their homes, they are difficult to get rid of completely once they have become unwelcomed guests. If your home is being invaded, responding with the proper action can reduce stink bug numbers dramatically. If these steps do not eliminate the problem, Scherzinger Pest Control can help in preventing pest from coming in doors.