Stink Bugs: Non-native and Invasive

Anyone that has ever come in contact with a stink bug will never forget that pungent odor they give off, especially when crushed. One of the big problems with these pesky little creatures is that they tend to collect in clusters, so individuals that are not familiar with this particular breed of insect may take it upon themselves to try to "squash out" as many bugs as they can, only to be overwhelmed by a strong and distinct odor.

Non-native and invasive stink bugs are found in 38 of the 50 United States, making them somewhat hard to avoid. Originally found in East Asia, stink bugs have slowly made their way to the United States and interestingly enough, were not even reported in the US until the late 90s. While they are relatively harmless to humans, it is definitely not a pleasant experience to have a run in with these stinky pests, so it is always a good idea for homeowners to be able to identify the bugs by their physical traits as well as signs that there may be an infestation in the home.

Stink Bug Infestations

Stink bugs are about ¾" in size, and are a triangular shape. They are brown or green in color and have 6 legs, wings, and an antenna. Non-native and invasive stink bugs make their way into homes during the fall and early winter months in order to stay warm. Unlike termites and cockroaches, they do not pose a threat of damage to the home or health problems to the occupants, but the issue with stink bugs is that they are almost always found in large clusters. During the winter, they are in a state of hibernation called diapause, so homeowners do not have to worry about the bugs multiplying, breeding, or building nests, but regardless of this fact, homeowners are not pleased to have these pungent insects flying and crawling around their homes, and they are also known to feed on outdoor fruits and vegetables during the warmer months, which can be frustrating to homeowners that have an apple tree out back or a vegetable garden.

Stink Bug Control

Stink bugs will only give off their pungent odor when threatened or squashed, so if you have identified a stink bug infestation in your home, the best thing to do is step away and call in a professional exterminator, especially if you have more than one area with large clusters of the bugs. Over the counter sprays and bug bombs will potentially work to get rid of the indoor bugs, but they will not work to prevent new bugs from entering the home or building. A professional pest control specialist will fumigate outside the home as well, and they know just where to fumigate in order to keep these bugs at bay.

Prevention of Future Stink Bugs

There are also preventative measures that homeowners can take in order to avoid future infestations. If you have cracks around your home's structure, you will want to seal those up good, as this will prevent the bugs from entering in the late fall. It is also a good idea to patch up any damaged screen doors you may have and spray your outdoor garden with a natural insecticide. Prevention is definitely key in keeping these critters at bay, and if you happen to be victim to another infestation, your pest control specialist will be happy to assist with a follow up fumigation.

A Bug-Free Environment

While stink bugs pose no major threat to humans, they are definitely frustrating for homeowners and farmers. By taking various preventative measures, enlisting the help of an exterminator if needed, and doing your best to avoid squashing or frightening the bugs, you can avoid a stinky showdown and enjoy a pest free home.

David Breen has extensive experience in pest control. He enjoys sharing his insights through his writing, and his articles are featured mainly on home and garden blogs.Learn more about pest control services at http://www.pestcontrol.us.