How To Get Rid of Stink Bugs
Pest Expert Matthew Hess
September 1st, 2023
As autumn approaches, various pests might attempt to infiltrate your home or workplace. Knowing how to get rid of stink bugs may also aid in preventing or eliminating many of those pests. However, it’s essential to understand what stink bugs are before learning how to get rid of them.
In Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, stink bugs are a common pest that you may encounter. They are shield-shaped and about the size of a dime. The brown marmorated stink bug is the most prevalent variety, but other types can be green or brown. One of their most well-known features is the unpleasant odor they emit when threatened or crushed, which has been said to smell similar to rotten cilantro. Even if you can’t identify a stink bug by sight, you’ll definitely recognize it by its strong scent. If you’re dealing with a stink bug infestation in your home or business, this blog will provide you with helpful solutions.
The Life Cycle of a Stink Bug
The life cycle of stink bugs involves three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. These bugs lay barrel-shaped eggs on plant stems and the underside of leaves in groups of 5-50 between May and August. The clusters are usually no larger than a dime, regardless of their shape. A single female stink bug can produce multiple generations each year and lay up to 400 eggs in her lifetime.
After being laid, the eggs take 4-5 days to hatch and release nymphs. For the nymphs to become adults, they must go through five stages of development, each taking about one week to complete. During each stage, the nymphs grow slightly larger until they reach full maturity as adults, capable of reproducing. Throughout their short lives of 6-8 months, both nymphs and adults feed on fruits and plants.
The Importance of Stink Bug Control
These invasive pests are not native to the U.S. and originated instead, in Asia, giving them an edge over many other pests that have natural predators within the U.S. This makes it more challenging to prevent and eliminate their presence. The EPA, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and other agencies are collaborating to find a solution to this issue due to the severe threat stink bugs pose to agricultural crops like peaches, soybeans, nuts, and more. When stink bugs infest crops and fields, millions of dollars are potentially at risk.
Stink bugs also pose a threat to both local commercial gardens and home gardens. Without proper prevention and elimination measures, a high population of these pests could quickly decimate an entire crop’s harvest.
In addition to posing a threat to agriculture, homeowners may also encounter the feared stink bug. These pests can invade homes and businesses in large numbers, seemingly appearing out of nowhere and creating a scene reminiscent of the movie “The Birds.” But thankfully, it’s much easier to prevent and eliminate them from a building than from a field!
Stink Bug Prevention Measures
It may be a common phrase we use in many of our blogs but it applies to so many pests; “an ounce of prevention…” well, you know the rest! It’s especially true of stink bugs. If you really want to know how to get rid of stink bugs, the best place to start is preventing them before they infest.
Preventing small pests like stink bugs can be achieved by stopping them from entering your home. Seal small cracks, crevices, and gaps with a quality sealant. Larger areas should also be fixed. Ensure screens on doors and windows are in good condition and placed correctly to prevent pests from entering when open. Avoid leaving doors open during late summer and early fall to prevent them from flying in.
Stink bugs have a tendency to seek shelter in homes, businesses, RVs, and campers during the winter season. As the temperature drops, they start looking for a warm place to hibernate. If your property is not adequately sealed, these bugs can easily make their way inside in large numbers, even by the tens of thousands. Once they find a safe place, they will stay there until spring arrives. When the weather warms up, they will emerge from their winter hideout and start to invade your space again as they search for an exit.
Will DIY Treatments Work for Stinkbugs?
There are numerous DIY options available for controlling pests, with hundreds of brands and types to choose from. However, it can be challenging to determine which products truly work, making it necessary to spend more time researching than implementing the solution.
Many homeowners and business owners have reported spending a lot of money on DIY pest control methods that end up being ineffective, especially when dealing with stink bugs. Essential oils that quickly fade, pheromone traps that fail to catch the pests, diluted insecticides that don’t kill them, and one failed attempt after another can leave you feeling frustrated and hopeless. It can even lead to tension in your relationships as your spouse becomes fed up and your children refuse to sleep in their own rooms. That makes successful control even more important.
If you only have a few stink bugs, any one of the available DIY methods and products are likely to perform well. If there are more than only a few, however, just call a professional and save yourself the disappointment.
For Best Results, Call In the Professional at Four Seasons Pest Solutions
Once infestations are present, especially when in large numbers, the only truly viable option is to seek professional assistance. That’s exactly what our knowledgeable and helpful staff are ready to do. Our expert inspectors, salespeople, and technicians know every detail necessary to prevent and eliminate your stinkbug infestation.
Take advantage of us by calling one of our local numbers in Bowling Green KY, Corbin KY, Knoxville TN, Lexington KY, Somerset KY, Eastern KY, Western VA, and anywhere in between. We can’t make all your problems disappear, but we can get rid of the stink bugs!
