What to Know: Invasion of the Stink Bug

What to Know: Invasion of the Stink Bug

Stink bugs are common in New Jersey, with about 20 species in this state alone. The most common in this area is called the brown marmorated stink bug, first identified in Allentown, PA in the 1990s, having hitched a ride here on a container coming through the Port of Elizabeth. It’s native to Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and Beijing.

Are you facing an invasion of these pests in your home? You’ll know it, by their nasty smell and their signature shield-like shape. They will emit a foul odor whenever they are frightened, disturbed or squashed. Check out these tips for getting rid of them.

Don’t Crush One in a Tissue

What’s the first thing you do when you see an unwanted bug in your residence? You take a tissue and squash it, or stomp on it with your shoe. Avoid doing this, as stink bugs that are hit, stomped or crushed will emit that tell-tale foul odor. Now you have another problem: the stench will stay on your shoes and in the room.

Don’t Vacuum Them

Reaching for the vacuum seems to be the best hands-off approach for many people facing a bug infestation, but don’t do it. The bugs will panic and emit their odor anyway, or they’ll simply crawl back out into your closet after you store the vacuum. If you have no choice but to vacuum them, use a shop vac and then take it outside to empty it right away.

Seal up Cracks

Stink bugs will gather close to homes for warmth on those extra chilly nights, gaining entry inside holes or cracks in your foundation, doors, windows and walls. You generally won’t see them in winter, but they’ll come out in spring looking for escape. Seal cracks and gaps so they can’t get inside in the first place.

More Tips

So if it’s too late and they’re already sharing the house with you, here’s what you can do:

• Use a natural repellent spray comprised of 10 drops of peppermint essential oil to 16 ounces of water. Keep it in a spray bottle and spritz around doorways, windows and entryways.
• CAREFULLY sweep them up with a dustpan and release them outside.
• Use a shop vac to suck them up, then empty the bag outside immediately to prevent them from getting back out.
• Contact a pest control professional like Cavanaugh’s to eliminate the stink bugs and come up with a long-term plan for keeping them out year round.

Prevention

Once stink bugs get into your home and start breeding, they’re almost impossible to get out. Prevention is key. Try these tips:

• Perform regular weeding and mowing outside, as stink bugs like to snack on weeds and leaves.
• Make sure your weather stripping is properly sealed so no gaps are found under exterior doors.
• Take out wall and window air conditioners in the off-season.
• Refrain from leaving fruits, vegetables and legumes on the counter, as stink bugs are attracted to these treats.
• Inspect the exterior of your home, checking doors and windows for cracks and torn screens.
• Do the same for attic and crawl space vents.

Calling your trusted professional exterminator is your best bet if you truly want to control your stink bug invasion effectively. Call Cavanaugh’s Professional Termite and Pest Services at one of our three locations today!