Until 20 years ago, stink bugs were never a problem in the U.S. In fact, they weren't here at all. Native to Asia, they were introduced in the mid 1990's, but since then stink bug populations have exploded. Noted for their namesake odor when startled, these persistent invaders seek the warmth of your home as temperatures drop.
A unique new invader
Brown marmorated stink bugs were originally an agricultural pest centered in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Their arrival in the United States is traced back to 1996, when they made an appearance near Allentown, PA. Since then, stink bugs have grown increasingly common throughout the Western service area, expanding toward new locations every year.
In terms of appearance, stink bugs most resemble a small, grayish-brown shield. Approximately 5/8" in length, their antennae are marked by white bands and their wings are banded with black and white. They tend to wander slowly through your home or stay still in one spot, only occasionally flying, and most often when startled.
Harmless...but "stinky"
The good news about stink bugs is that they are harmless. The bad news relates to the after effect of startling one of these invaders. Stink bugs are named for the foul odor that they emit when squashed or frightened, which can quickly permeate your home. For this reason, you don't want them lingering: slowly meandering your walls...clinging to your drapes...seeking the warmth of your bedside lamp.
Thankfully, stink bugs neither sting nor bite. Additionally, although stink bugs will hide in your insulated walls when they first begin to overwinter - the process by which pests seek winter shelter from the cold - they do not cause structural damage.
However, stink bugs are incredibly persistent. Once inside, they linger well into spring. Worse yet, they emit a chemical aggregation hormone which alerts nearby stink bugs that they've found safe harbor from the cold. That means your small indoor population can quickly increase.
Prevention and control
Your best efforts at vacuuming stink bugs away can easily backfire. (Read the above paragraph regarding their notorious stink.) So what is a harried homeowner to do? First things first, prevention is the number one solution. Of course, this may offer little solace if your home is already crawling with these small, brown invaders.
Luckily, Western has developed a three-phase reduction and prevention solution that uncovers invaders and prevents their return.
- Stage 1 - Inspection, Removal, and Prevention: During the first visit, Western Inspectors conduct an exacting inspection of the inside and outside of your property, looking for cracks or gaps where stink bugs enter, as well as plants on which they feed.
- Stage 2 - Exterior Materials Application and Interior Pest Removal: Pest control materials are applied to exterior access points to combat future infestations. Live and dead bugs are removed from the interior.
- Stage 3 - Follow-up and/or Reapplication: Two to three weeks later, Western technicians return, reapplying pest control materials and removing any lingering invaders.
The best time to begin this regimen is late summer or early fall. Without easy entry via common gaps and cracks, stink bugs will experience much greater difficulty invading.
To get started safeguarding your home, contact Western Pest Services today to schedule a free home inspection. Have a friend with a stink bug problem? Refer them to Western and you will save $25 off your next service.