What You Need to Know About Stink Bugs
Ew, what’s that smell? You might have stepped on a stink bug. These small, flat insects use smell to protect themselves, although when it comes to encounters with humans it’s usually not enough to save them.
Stink bugs aren’t native to this area – in fact, they’re a species that invaded the U.S. from Asia very recently. They only began to appear in the U.S. in 1996.
What else do you need to know about stink bugs and how a pest control company can help? Here are the details.
They Are Most Common in Late Summer and Fall
The stink bug, officially named brown marmorated stink bugs, are most common in your home when temperatures begin to fall. That means you’re likely to see them seeking refuge in your house in later summer or fall.
However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t see them at other times of year. They can come indoors at any time, often in search of shade and water.
Stink bugs are easy to identify – they are greyish-brown, shaped like a triangular shield, and about ¾” long. If you notice these in your home, you may want to call a pest control company for help.
They Have No Natural Predators in the U.S.
How have stink bugs spread so far so quickly? They were accidently introduced to the U.S. in the late 1990’s, and they have no natural predators here. As a result, they spread rapidly and can now be found everywhere in the country.
They are largely an agricultural pest. They destroy crops and are a significant threat to both home gardens and farms that produce corn, soybeans, cotton and other crops. They also eat berry bushes, orchard trees, and more.
If you want to protect your garden, you definitely need a pest control company to help you eliminate these bugs!
They Are Generally Not Dangerous to Humans
Other than the nasty smell, humans don’t have much to fear from stink bugs. They don’t bite humans and aren’t poisonous. However, they can be a significant nuisance because of their tendency to congregate together.
If you see one stink bug, you should expect to see large numbers of the bugs in short order unless you get a pest control company to help you. They love to spend time in large numbers and can invade your home in huge groups that are both annoying and smelly.
Contact a Pest Control Company to Prevent Infestation
To keep your home safe from stink bugs year-round, contact a pest control company who understands how to keep them out. A licensed professional can treat for these insects and help you notice any places where they can get into your house.
You’ll need to seal cracks around windows, doors, utility pipes, siding, chimneys, and more. Damaged screens should be replaced. The good news is that these steps won’t just help with stink bugs, it will help keep a wide variety of pests out of your home.
If you need help from a professional when it comes to stink bugs or any other pest, we’re here to help. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you!
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