What Are Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are an invasive species that came to the United States from Asia in the 1990s. These pests get their name from the nasty odor they produce when they feel threatened or are getting squished. The smell comes from a chemical in one of their abdomen glands, and it is meant to protect stink bugs from their enemies.
Stink bugs in Havertown have shield-shaped, triangular bodies with six legs and antennae. They measure around ¾ of an inch long. The underside of a stink bug’s body is white or grey with black markings, while its legs are brown with white binding. Adult stink bugs are capable of flight, folding their wings atop their body upon landing. They feed on fruits, leaves, and stems.
Are Stink Bugs Dangerous?
As mentioned, stink bugs emit an unpleasant odor when threatened. They can spray this chemical up to several inches ahead of them, and if they get squished, the chemical is released, and the smell will only intensify. The good news is that they aren’t dangerous to us in any health-related manner, and they don’t pose a risk to our safety. The main issue is the smell and the fact that they enter structures in large numbers and be difficult to control once inside.
Owners of agricultural properties, however, should perhaps be more concerned. Stink bugs feed on plants, sucking the juice out of leaves and plant roots and stems. They pierce the skin of the plant and extract the juice. For this reason, they damage crops, gardens, fruit trees, ornamental plants, and weeds.
Where Will I Find Stink Bugs?
Stink bug invasions tend to happen in the late summer and early fall as they look for a place to overwinter. While overwintering, stink bugs find harborage inside homes, in the walls, attics, and crawl spaces. In early spring, stink bugs emerge and become active for the season. In their active season, they gravitate to the sunniest side of the property for warmth.
How Can I Prevent Stink Bugs In The Future?
If you want to be diligent in your efforts to avoid stink bugs and prevent them from entering your property, there are some things you can do. Consider the following tips for effective stink bug control:
- Address easy access areas like siding and utility pipes, behind chimneys, and under fascia boards.
- Eliminate sources of excess moisture, fixing leaky pipes and clogged drains.
- Install door sweeps, chimney screens, and attic vents.
- Install proper ventilation in moisture-rich areas.
- Keep a well-maintained yard and lawn.
- Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum.
- Properly store food and maintain a high level of cleanliness.
- Replace and repair damaged screens in windows and doors.
- Seal off entry points using caulk, foam, or weatherstripping to prevent entry.
- Store all sources of wood away from the structure and off the ground.
- Vacuum regularly and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag.
While taking proactive measures is always a smart thing to do, the truth is that these efforts aren’t guaranteed to get rid of stink bugs. The only guaranteed way to detect, eliminate, and prevent a stink bug infestation is to reach out to a team of qualified pest professionals.
Call the team at Cunningham Pest Control for all your stink bug control needs. We have a lot of experience dealing with these smelly intruders, and we will work with you to devise the best plan of action to tackle your specific stink bug problem. Whatever your stink bug situation, we are here to help. Contact us today to get started.