Twice a year we receive calls from homeowners and businesses describing a stink bug infestation. The number one thing to remember about stink bugs is that they are overwintering pests. Overwintering pests are found in excess during the fall and spring months as they are trying to find, or are in the process of leaving warm winter shelters. Like us, they do not like the cold.
In the United States, stink bugs are running rampant because there are no known predators keeping their population in check. The brown marmorated stink bug was not heard of in the United States until they hitched a ride, we suspect on some cargo, from Asia in the mid 1990s. Since then, the stink bug population has grown exponentially and has spread across the country.
It is important to note that these pest are not harmful to humans. They do not have stingers and do not bite. Aside from their foul-smelling self-defense mechanism, and their ability to destroy crops, they are nothing to fear. However, a stink bug’s odor may trigger breathing problems in people with allergies or asthma.
Keeping these critters out of the home can be testing. Stink bugs are able to flatten their bodies to fit through the tiniest of cracks. The best way to keep them out of your home is to seal off all the entrances to your home. This includes replacing door sweeps, sealing off all windows, and checking the roof for cracks. It also helps to check your bags, your pets and family members, including your self for stink bugs as you enter your home, as they also like to hitch a ride.
Many homeowners vacuum up the occasional stink bug, or spray them down with soapy water to kill them. If the stink bug population inside of home has gotten out of control, it is time to call your local pest control company.
To fix your stink bug problem, give YES Pest Pros a call at 1-800-524-8544.
