Avoiding Stink Bugs

Image courtesy of Eugene E. Nelson, Bugwood.org
Image courtesy of Eugene E. Nelson, Bugwood.org

New Jersey pest control professionals say that the brown marmorated stink bughas been a formidable opponent to deal with.  Stink bugs have been nibbling their way on fruits, vegetables, and a variety of vegetation throughout the mid-Atlantic region since their discovery in Allentown, Pennsylvania in the 1990’s.  Much to the dismay of farmers and homeowners, these destructive pests can now be found in 33 different states.

Stink bugs do not pose a threat to humans, but they have caused considerable distress to home and business owners.  During the summer months, these stinky pests are busy suckling on plant nectar and laying thousands of eggs on the undersides of leaves in gardens and crops.  Now that fall is fast approaching, New Jersey pest control experts say that the brown marmorated stink bug will soon be making its way back to your home or business looking for a place to overwinter during the cold winter months.

Many home and business owners call pest control experts to kill the hundreds or even thousands of stink bugs that congregate on the exterior walls of their structure during the fall months.  As the weather begins to cool, left untreated, some of these stinky pests will make their way under your siding and then creep under your insulation where they will huddle together until they feel the warm spring temperatures.

Some pushier stink bugs will find their way into your home or business through cracks, crevices, screens, windows, open doors, etc.  You’ll initially find them crawling on windows, window sills, or walls until the chilly weather arrives.  They will eventually find a warm spot indoors to overwinter.  On the occasional sunny day, these stinky pests will sneak out of baseboards, carpet edging, closets, electrical outlets, or other hiding spots and bask in the sun, waiting for spring to arrive.  Stink bugs do not breed indoors, but they are a nuisance when you crush or scare them and they release their pungent stench.

Stink bugs populations are difficult to control as most over-the-counter pesticides do not work on these non-native creatures.  Stink bugs can be reduced by having the perimeter of your home treated by a licensed pest control expert.