Stink Bug Identification
What are stink bugs?
Stink bugs are a non-native species of insect initially introduced into Pennsylvania accidentally from Asia. Since their introduction in the late 90s, their populations have flourished, and these damaging agricultural pests now live across much of the United States. A shield-like plate on their back can identify this unique looking pest; however, the most common way people learn that stink bugs have made their way into their home is by the pungent odor that they produce from a small gland located on the thorax.
Are stink bugs dangerous?
Stink bugs are more of a nuisance pest than a dangerous pest. They aren’t likely to cause harm to you or the structure of your house. However, this doesn’t mean we want these bugs in our homes, moving about as they please. These pests produce strong odors and can stain surfaces with their excrement.
In addition to keeping these stinky pests out of your house, we must control their populations in our yards and gardens. Stink bugs will use their sucking mouthparts to feed on the juices of fruits and vegetables, causing cosmetic damage and affecting its texture.
Why do I have a stink bug problem?
These agricultural pests are most problematic on properties with fruit trees, vegetable gardens, berry bushes, and ornamental plants. Stink bugs spend most of the year outside feeding breeding but use our homes and other structures to overwinter.
Where will I find stink bugs?
Orchards, farms, and gardens are all places that stink bugs live in large numbers. Properties with or near their preferred habitats are likely to experience problems with these smelly insects. It is not uncommon for hundreds or thousands of these pests to move into a home. Stink bugs are attracted to our home’s warm, sunny exterior. As they move up the exterior surface, they come inside through small openings they discover along the way.
Once inside, they will stay in dark, quiet areas like attics, wall voids, and crawlspaces. In the spring, when the weather warms, they move back outside. During the winter months, when the heaters are on or on a particularly warm day, it is not uncommon for these pests to become active, emerging from their hiding spots to crawl over your home’s walls, curtains, and window sills.
How do I get rid of stink bugs?
Stop stink bugs from moving into your Mississippi home and becoming your new roommates with the help of McCary Pest Control. We will work with you to rid your property of stink bugs and other common household pests through our eco-friendly products and reliable services. For over 50 years, we have been helping families maintain homes that are free of nuisance and dangerous pests.
To learn more about keeping stink bugs out of your Tupelo or surrounding area home or business, give McCary Pest Control a call and speak with one of our helpful experts!
How can I prevent stink bugs in the future?
Partnering with a professional is key to ensuring that the pests on your property are identified accurately, and effective treatments are performed so a re-infestation won't occur.
The following tips are additional ways you can help to protect your property from stink bugs:
- Make changes around your home to keep stink bugs out. Seal openings in the exterior, cracks in the foundation, place covers over vents, install caps on chimneys.
- Make sure windows and doors have screens in them.
- Cut tree branches and shrubs back away from the outside of your home to keep stink bugs from climbing their branches and moving onto your home’s exterior.
- Rake back leaves and mulch from your foundation.
- Remove brush piles, woodpiles, and other yard debris where stink bugs can hide.
- If possible, trade out regular white outdoor lights for LED or yellow lights that are less attractive to stink bugs and many other insects.
- If you spot stink bugs wandering around your house, use a vacuum to suck them up. Do not crush them.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.
