Stink bugs, known for their distinctive shield-like shape and the unpleasant odor they emit when threatened or crushed, are becoming increasingly common in homes, especially during the cooler months as they seek warmth. These pests are not only a nuisance due to their smell but can also cause damage to fruits and vegetables, making them a concern for gardeners and farmers alike. While stink bugs do not pose a direct threat to human health, their tendency to invade homes in large numbers can be quite distressing.
At Pest Pros of Michigan, we specialize in identifying and sealing entry points to prevent these critters from entering your home. Our treatment plans are designed to manage current infestations and reduce the likelihood of future invasions, ensuring your home remains stink bug-free.
Stink bugs can become a significant nuisance for several reasons:
Home Invasion
Particularly in the fall, stink bugs seek shelter inside homes and other buildings to overwinter. Once inside, they can become a noticeable nuisance due to their large numbers.
Odor
As their name suggests, stink bugs release a foul-smelling chemical from glands near their thorax when threatened or crushed. This defense mechanism can be unpleasant when it occurs inside homes.
Agricultural Damage
Stink bugs are also a major concern for agriculture. They feed on a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and crops, piercing the skin to suck out the juice. This results in a cosmetic and structural damage known as “cat facing,” which can significantly reduce the market value of these crops.
Difficult to Control
Stink bugs can be difficult to control once they establish themselves in an area. Their ability to fly and their tendency to hide in hard-to-reach areas make them challenging to eliminate without professional help.
Due to these issues, managing and preventing stink bug infestations is important for both homeowners and agricultural producers.
Identifying signs of stink bug infestations can help you take timely action to manage them effectively.
Here are key indicators to watch for:
Visible Sightings
One of the most obvious signs is seeing stink bugs themselves, especially around windows and doors or in other sunny areas of the house during the fall, as they attempt to enter homes to overwinter.
Odor
Stink bugs release a distinctive, pungent odor when disturbed or crushed. If you notice this strong, unpleasant smell in your home, it’s a good indicator that stink bugs are present.
Damage to Plants
In gardens or on farms, signs of stink bug presence include damaged fruits and vegetables. Look for irregularities like pitting and discoloration, which result from stink bugs feeding on the plants.
Aggregation
During colder months, stink bugs tend to aggregate in large numbers on the sides of buildings or inside near windows, walls, or other warm areas to overwinter. Finding groups of stink bugs clustered together is a common sign of an infestation.
Recognizing these signs early can help you initiate control measures promptly to minimize the impact of stink bugs in and around your home.
Stink Bug FAQ’s
What attracts stink bugs to my home?
Stink bugs are attracted to lights and the warmth of buildings. During the cooler months, they seek shelter to overwinter, which often leads them to invade homes through cracks around windows, doors, and other openings. They are also drawn to the protective environment of houses that shield them from cold weather.
How can I prevent stink bugs from entering my house?
To prevent stink bugs from entering, seal all potential entry points such as cracks and crevices around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, and underneath the fascia. Also, ensure that window screens are intact and tight-fitting. Reducing outdoor lighting can also help, as stink bugs are attracted to lights.
Are stink bugs dangerous?
Stink bugs do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. They are not harmful to humans or pets, but they can be a nuisance due to their odor and large numbers, especially if they invade living spaces in significant quantities.
What is the best way to get rid of stink bugs once they are inside?
Once stink bugs are inside, it is best to remove them manually using a vacuum cleaner. Be cautious, as the vacuum may acquire the smell of stink bugs after use. Avoid crushing them, as this releases their foul odor. For severe infestations, consider contacting a professional pest control service to apply appropriate treatments.
Don’t Let Stink Bugs Take Over Your Home!
If you suspect you have a stink bug problem, don’t wait. Contact Pest Pro for a professional inspection and effective treatment. Our experienced technicians have the knowledge and tools to eliminate bed bugs and restore your peace of mind.
Why Pest Pros?
- We Get the Job Done Right: Pests hide in the toughest spots. With over 40 years of combined experience, we know where to look and how to tackle the problem.
- Safety & Expertise: We use only high-quality, EPA-approved products and invest in ongoing training for our technicians. Your family’s safety is our priority.
- Guaranteed Results: Our proven Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach eliminates pests and prevents them from returning. If they do, we’ll come back at no additional cost.
If the Pests Come Back, We Come Back
Pest Control Treatment Includes
In Depth Inspection
Our pest specialist will perform a in-depth inspection of your home; we are looking for conducive conditions that pest thrive in. You tech might fight signs of rodent activity, active ant trails, or moisture-related issues.
Preventive Pest Service
Your pest service program will include monitoring stations for pest activity and target applications for pest found. Slow release granular application around your home and a protective spray barrier to stop pest from moving in.
What Pests Want
Yes, we give pests what they want: Food! Our pest specialist carry a variety of food that pests cannot resist, and they know how to carefully apply the right solutions in common nesting spots for effective elimination.
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“Jason came out to provide a termite estimate. Due to his confidence, knowledge, and professionalism I hired him on the spot. About an hour later he had us set up to begin exterminating our termites with monitoring stations. I went with Pest Pros not because they offered the lowest cost estimate, but because of Jason.”
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“I had an awesome experience with Pest Pros and Hayden! He was professional and very thorough. I think he did an awesome job addressing our ant concerns and seemed very knowledgeable. I had a bunch of questions and he took the time to answer all of them. Thank you!”
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