Stink bugs might look harmless, but they pack a powerful (and unpleasant) punch. While they pose no threat to humans or pets, these pests can wreak havoc on your garden and bring a seriously foul odor into your home. That signature stink isn’t something you want lingering indoors, which is why early identification and prevention are key to keeping your plants, property, and nose safe from a full-blown stink bug invasion.
How to Identify Stink Bugs
If you’ve been living in Kansas for a while, you’re probably familiar with stink bugs to some extent. They have a very distinctive appearance, to say the least, and not to mention the stench! Here are a few insights about these pungent pests to help you identify them and watch for a potential infestation:
Appearance
Stink bugs are also known as “shield bugs” because of the unique triangular shell on their backs once they reach adulthood, which is also when they develop functional wings. Stink bugs are green or brown and around ¾ inch long when fully grown. During the nymph stage of a stink bug’s life cycle, they are easily identifiable by their red eyes.
Odor
We’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the stink bug’s signature smell! When they are squished or feel threatened, stink bugs emit an awful odor that you don’t want stinking up your home. The unpleasant scent may vary between species, but it can also vary depending on the person who smells it. From cooking cilantro to rancid meat to sulfur and ammonia, the smell is pungent, however you describe it!
Behavior
Fortunately, stink bugs typically spend their time outdoors. However, some species, like the marmorated stink bug, may venture inside during the fall and winter in search of warmer temperatures. If stink bugs find their way into your home to overwinter, you’re most likely to find them hiding in sheltered spaces like walls, attics, and crawl spaces. Since they tend to hide out in these less visible parts of the home, you may not notice the infestation at all until they start venturing out of hiding in spring to try and head back outside.
Other Signs of a Stink Bug Infestation
Beyond finding live stink bugs in your home or garden, here are a few things to look out for that may indicate an infestation:
- Strange odors in the home
- Damaged plants or vegetables and fruits that are wilting or discolored (you might notice cloudy spots on tomato plants, for example)
- Tiny egg clusters in neat rows on the underside of leaves
If you see any one or more of these warning signs, it’s always best to contact a trusted pest control company to protect your garden from damage, and your home from unpleasant odors!
How to Prevent a Stink Bug Infestation
The best way to keep pests out of your home is to practice good habits in cleaning, storage, and organization. This will both reduce potential food sources and eliminate hiding places where pests can settle in for the winter. Here are a few other things you can do to keep stink bugs out of your home when temperatures drop:
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- Seal up any entry points, like foundation cracks and gaps around windows and doors.
- Repair damaged exterior that may provide entry points, such as door sweeps, weather stripping, or loose roof shingles.
- Turn off the lights at night. Stink bugs are attracted to lights, so turning them off or using yellow lights that are less appealing can help keep them at bay.
- Reduce moisture by repairing leaks, cleaning gutters, improving ventilation, and using a dehumidifier in areas of the home that are prone to high moisture levels.
- Check storage containers for pests before bringing them into the main home from the attic, basement, or garage.
- Trim back foliage from the edges of your home.
What to Do If You Suspect a Stink Bug Infestation
If you find even a single stink bug in your home, do not squish it! Smashing a stink bug will instantly release its putrid stench and create a rather unpleasant mess as well. If you only find one or two stink bugs in your home, don’t panic. They could be stragglers who have managed to get inside. Remove them by sucking the bugs up in a vacuum and immediately disposing of the vacuum bag in an outdoor trash can. These captured stink bugs are likely to feel threatened, which will result in a smelly situation.
If you notice further signs of a possible stink bug infestation, the best course of action is to seek professional help. Trying to handle an infestation on your own will likely result in the stink bugs feeling threatened and raising a ruckus in your home. At Advantage Termite and Pest Control, we’re prepared to handle the most challenging (and smelly) pest infestation problems! Contact us immediately if you suspect an infestation in your home or garden. Call us at first sight – we do it right!
