Stink bugs belong to the Hemiptera order of true bugs. They possess straight antennae and piercing-sucking mouthparts. Most of them possess a characteristic shield shape. Although lots of them are plant feeders, some are predatory. The adult stink bug ranges between 11 to 18mm long and their bodies are about as wide as it is long. The Nymph (immature bugs) is red and yellow with red eyes. The yellow lightens to an off-white as the stink bug grows.
EVIDENCE OF A STINK BUG INFESTATION
Stink bugs invade homeowners in the fall and are easily detected. They can easily be seen dropping from the ceilings or buzzing around light fixtures. For homeowners who for some reasons miss all this, stinkbugs are notorious for their smelly reputation and your nose would surely pick up on this.
CONTROL OF STINK BUGS
As with everything, the best control method is preventing the bugs from getting into your home. You can discourage stink bugs from entering the home by properly sealing as many entryways as possible. Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk. Protect crawl spaces and vents in attics with a screen. Repair all torn and damaged window screens. You can use weather stripping to seal gaps under exterior doors.
If the bugs get into your home, they can be difficult to remove. Vacuuming them is one effective way of removing them from your home.
The “good news” is that while overwintering, stink bugs don’t feed or reproduce. They will become active when the spring arrives and leave the home never to return (until the next fall).
The threat of allowing them winter in your home is that of a recurrence, hiring a pest professional to treat the perimeter of your home against them helps to this threat.
Call Pointe Pest Control for assistance.