Have you seen tiny shield-shaped tan bugs crawling in your curtains, perching on your light fixtures, clinging to your screens, crawling up your walls, or dive bombing your head as you walk into the kitchen? Have you already properly identified those insects as stink bugs? While our homes do not provide an environment that stink bugs can live in, they will temporarily take up residence with us when temperatures outside become too cold. In spring, they emerge from their hiding places, if you have not seen them all winter it can be shocking when they start trying to find their way out. This can make them a spring nuisance, as well as a fall nuisance. But are they dangerous to have around? Let's take a look. Show
Why Are Stink Bugs In My Home?Stink bugs usually hide in the bark of trees during the winter. They can also be found on the sun-warmed side of trees, because they prefer the warmth. It is only natural for them to climb on the "bark" of your house, and try to squeeze under your siding. Once there, it is only a matter of time before they find a way in. It can be through a torn screen, down a chimney, by way of a crack, under a door, past some damaged weather stripping, or right through the front door when you walk in. The older the house, the more entry points there are for stink bugs to infiltrate. Are stink bugs dangerous to people?These bugs rarely bite humans, and they are not known to transmit pathogens or harmful bacteria. They do, however, have a nasty chemical smell to them, which has some homeowners wondering if they may be toxic. Don't worry. Stink bugs aren't toxic. They just stink. But, it is important to keep in mind that stink bugs can spray that smelly liquid from their thorax, and you might get it in your eyes. If so, seek medical attention to prevent any damage. Are stink bugs dangerous to pets?Dogs and cats love to chase bugs. And, as much as we'd prefer to "not" think about it, they also like to eat them. This may have you wondering, "Can eating stink bugs hurt my pet?" Veterinarians say no. While stink bugs can cause your pet to have a severe reaction, such as vomiting or excessive drooling, eating stink bugs won't kill them. They will quickly learn that those bugs are no fun to eat. Are stink bugs dangerous to belongings?These bugs can stain curtains, couches, fabrics, and carpets. In some cases, it is possible to clean stink bug stains, but it is quite a pain. The number-one tool for dealing with stink bugs is a vacuum. Do Stink Bugs Come Inside in the Spring?Each fall, when the weather begins to cool down, stink bugs look for a warmer place to spend the winter. This is why the fall brings so much stink bug activity to homes in Pittsburgh. And although they do not reproduce inside of the home or cause harm to humans, who wants to deal with stink bugs? They will hide out in cracks, behind baseboards and around the trim of windows and doors until the warmth of spring arrives. If you're seeing stink bugs in the spring, it's likely because the temperatures haven't warmed up enough for them to head back outside. Another reason you may be seeing stink bugs inside in the spring is because as temperatures do begin to rise in the spring, stink bugs may be trying to make their way back outside. They have likely been inside the entire winter and are now trying to exit your home. How To Get Rid of Stink BugsLooking for a way to say so long to stink bugs this spring? Here are a few stink bug prevention tips from the Pittsburgh pest control professionals that will help to keep these pests away:
Living with pests stinks. If you're in our Pennsylvania service area, let Witt help you establish a pest plan that is guaranteed to stop those pests in their tracks, and make life smell sweet again. It’s that time of year again, folks! Fall is in full swing and stink bugs, regrettably, have reemerged in our homes. You’ve no doubt spotted these creepy-crawlies in various locations around your own house – clinging to your window screens and climbing up your walls and out of vents. Despite seeing them so often, you may not know much about this nuisance species. If that’s the case, we’ve gathered 7 stink bug facts to enlighten you - as they say, know your enemy! 1. Stink Bugs Are Fairly New to North AmericaBrown marmorated stink bugs, the variety most commonly invading U.S. homes, is actually native to Asia and was introduced accidentally. The painstaking fight to rid these pests from your home may feel like a lifelong battle; however, the nuisance species wasn’t spotted in the U.S. until 1998 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Since then, stink bug populations have exploded, and can now be found in almost every state and several provinces in Canada. 2. Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Don’t BiteThese stink bugs don’t have the ability to bite people, nor do they sting. They have a needle-like mouth they use to pierce the skin of fruit, plants, and some other insects and suck out the juices. This needle is tucked between their legs when not in use. Although they cannot bite, you may still experience red, irritated skin if you are scratched by their exoskeletons' sharp edges. 3. Stink Bugs Have Very Few Natural PredatorsWhile stink bug eggs and nymphs may be vulnerable to parasitic wasps, adult stink bugs have very few predators to worry about. Some birds, insects and reptiles are known to eat stink bugs, but they do not consume them in great enough numbers to decrease stink bug populations. In addition, the odor produced by stink bugs also has a bad taste, which leads to them being spit out by many of the fish and other animals that otherwise prey on insects. Inside your home, stink bug traps and TERRO® stink bug control products are a great way to take care of an invasion without having to squash them. 4. Stink Bugs Can Emit Multiple ScentsThe one thing probably everyone who has encountered a stink bug can agree on is that they…well, stink. Stink bugs emit this foul odor whenever they feel threatened or when crushed. This method of defense proves to be a very successful tactic against any potential predators. Some people have compared the scent to that of cilantro or skunks. In addition to their distinctive stench, stink bugs are also able to produce a different chemical odor. This pheromone is released when a stink bug finds a safe place to hibernate for the winter. The scent, which is undetectable to homeowners, acts as a signal to other stink bugs to join them in the winter hiding spot. 5. Stink Bugs Are Most Prominent in Your Home During FallFall is usually the time most homeowners notice larger numbers of stink bugs indoors. This is because stink bugs are not able to tolerate the cold weather of winter. As October rolls on, hordes of stink bugs make their way inside via windows, doors, chimneys and other cracks and crevices. Once they send out the invitation for other stink bugs to join them, you could ultimately have hundreds of stink bugs hibernating in your home through winter. 6. Stink Bugs Are Not Breeding Inside Your HomeTo offer perhaps some sort of relief, you don’t need to worry about stink bugs laying eggs in their overwinter location (aka your home). When the cold weather sets in, stink bugs enter a hibernation state called diapause. During this time, they do not reproduce, nor do they feed. They are actually incapable of reproducing until the spring brings warmer weather. 7. Stink Bug Populations Fluctuate By Year and LocationYou may have noticed that some years stink bugs are all over your home, as well as the news, while other years not so much. The same goes for various locations around the country. While your home may have thousands of stink bugs, homes a few states away may experience a lot fewer. The climate during any given year can affect the number of stink bugs that survive and reproduce, causing a slight reduction the following year. Are Stink Bug Populations Bad This Year?Have you been fighting an invasion of these pests this year? We would love to see your pictures! Visit our Facebook page to share them, or ask us any additional questions you may have! For more great articles like this one, as well as exclusive deals on TERRO® products, subscribe to our eNewsletter. Overview Even if you’re someone who likes bugs (yes, they can be fascinating!), you’ll likely be put off by the stink bug. If you live in one of the 38 states that have been invaded by the brown marmorated stink bug, you may already be familiar with this little critter. With their shield-like shape and marbled brown color, and measuring less than an inch in length (generally about 14–17 millimeters), these bugs are easy to identify. Perhaps their most recognizable trait is the skunk-like smell they emit when disturbed. They also tend to congregate in large numbers and can lay up to five generations in one year if the temperature’s warm enough. The brown marmorated stink bug hails from Asia and was introduced into the United States in the mid-1990s, probably by hitching a ride on a shipping container. The bug was initially found in Pennsylvania. Since then, the brown marmorated stink bug has become a much larger problem than the stink bugs native to the United States, which are smaller and often help crops by eating other pests. The good news is that stink bugs don’t bite. They also don’t harm people or pets, nor do they spread disease. However, some people are allergic to the compounds released by the stink bug. Symptoms of this allergy can include a runny nose and, if you come in contact with crushed bugs, dermatitis. You may be at risk for crushing bugs if you work in agriculture or accidentally handle produce with bugs on it. Stink bugs affect crops, including corn and soy. They pierce kernels or soybeans and suck out the moisture, damaging the produce. They can also affect fruits such as apples, peaches, figs, citrus, persimmons, and blackberries. The nasty smell stink bugs give off when killed or handled is enough to give them a bad reputation. They can be nuisances, but luckily they don’t cause any damage to the structure of your home. And even better, they don’t reproduce indoors. If there’s a stink bug infestation near your home, the bugs will soon come your way. If you know about stink bug problems in your area, bug-proof your home right away to prevent an invasion. The best way to do this is to seal off all possible entries for the bugs. Here are some tips:
If you find stink bugs in your house or garden, the best way to eliminate them is by physically removing them. Vacuuming is one reliable method for removing the bugs from both indoor and outdoor areas. Be warned: They’re called stink bugs for a reason! The bugs release the skunk-smelling substance when crushed, which also happens if you vacuum them. Another natural way to remove stink bugs is by using a soapy trap. Here’s how:
Should I spray?The most obvious disadvantage when using any kind of pest control poison indoors is that the substance might affect the people and pets in the house. If you have a severe infestation of stink bugs, consult with a professional before spraying. Choose natural pest control compounds that won’t affect you, your pets, or any other wildlife. Natural bug control substances include neem (extracted from the neem tree), pyrethrum (extracted from Chrysanthemum plants), and various insecticidal soaps, which should be biodegradable. Note that pyrethrum is toxic to fish and other wildlife. After spraying, make sure you remove all dead bugs from your premises. If you leave any dead bugs in tight spaces where you can’t vacuum, they can attract carpet bugs, which might then go after stored foods and woolen products in the house. If you use poisonous sprays or even naturally extracted bug killers, keep in mind that once the vapors disappear, the insecticide won’t affect the rest of the bugs. The brown marmorated stink bug can be a nuisance, but it doesn’t bite or cause harm to people or pets. Prevent an infestation by sealing all entry points to your home and keeping an eye out for garden visitors. If you notice stink bugs around your property, make sure you remove them as soon as possible. Physically removing stink bugs remains one of the most reliable methods. You can also use a soapy trap or try a natural bug control product. If you opt for a poisonous spray, consult a professional before use. |