Stink Bugs 101
Autumn has come to a start, and you start noticing signs. Trees begin losing their color, leaves cover the ground, and swift change in weather introduces a cool breeze. Most noticeably these shield-shaped and brown-colored bugs begin to appear. This bug has various shades of brown, black, and white with a pair of antennas and six legs. To makes matters worse they have a pair of wings and can fly. They more times than not appear in flocks/swarms.
Scientifically known as Halyomorpha halys, these bugs are most known as stink bugs, due to the very unpleasant smell they release when killed. Stink bugs are an invasive species that came into the United States from Asia. The reason for their such displeasing odor is it helps shield themselves from other predators. People question if these stink bugs can be harmful, but they are not known to bite humans. The only advisory is to be careful while handling because of the smell they can release.
While stink bugs might not pose a threat, they are known to eat up crops. Stink bugs also begin infesting indoors. They infest inside because they are searching for warmth before wintertime arrives. You will want to get rid of this pest as soon as possible, since they have a life span of anywhere from 6-12 weeks. If they are in a good living conditions, it’s a possibility that they can live up to 6-8 months inside or around your home.
Stink Bug ID Card
Stink Bug Education
Signs of an infestation
Homeowners often find stink bugs inside during the late summer months and autumn when temperatures outside start to drop. Finding large numbers of live or dead stink bugs is a telltale sign of an infestation. Stink bugs will turn up on sunny sides of homes where they warm themselves. Growers often detect an infestation by the damage they cause to their crops.
If an infestation has developed inside the home or building, contact a licensed stink bug control professional to evaluate and assess the severity problem and help to identify the access points for this invasive species.
What Do Stink Bugs Look Like?
Stink bugs are described in several different ways. They are characterized as both “large, oval-shaped insects” and “shield-shaped insects.” Adult stink bugs can reach almost 2 cm in length.
Immature stink bugs, called nymphs, are very tiny when they hatch from their eggs. Nymphs of the brown marmorated stink bug are yellow and red.How To Get Rid of Stink Bugs?
To prevent stink bugs from entering your home, seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings.
Typical entry points include around door and window frames, electrical outlets, light switches, ceiling fans, skylights and ceiling light fixtures. Use a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced. Stink bugs are attracted to light, so change exterior lighting to less-attractive yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights.
If an infestation has developed inside your home or building, contact a licensed stink bug control professional such as Best Defense Pest Solutions to evaluate and assess the severity of your stink bug problem and help identify the access points for this invasive species.