Summer and fall bring with them a variety of pests, one of the most bothersome being stink bugs. Stink bugs aren’t as “gross” as roaches or ants, as they don’t raid your food cabinet and don’t bite or feed off humans. However, they do - as the name implies - stink! These bugs give off a foul odor when they’re threatened. In the wild, this helps keep predators away. In a home, the smell can last and last. It’s definitely unpleasant to come home to stink bug odor, and unfortunately these critters seek shelter in homes when the weather is too hot or too cold. Here are a few tips on getting rid of stink bugs in your home. 

Tips for Getting Rid of Stink Bugs

The first thing you should know about eradicating stink bugs is that you should avoid squishing them or killing them in the house, as their bodies release a noxious odor when the exoskeleton is broken. Unlike most other insects that you squash on sight, you should learn to identify stink bugs so that you can avoid making a smelly mess when you’re just trying to get rid of a common pest. Stink bugs have a distinctive brown marble pattern on their backs, which sets them apart from most home pests. Here’s how you can start protecting your home:

• Seal off all entry points - stink bugs get in the same way as most bugs, crawling through cracks and crevices and making themselves a nest in any small, dark, undisturbed place. This may be a basement or a shed, or a simple crack in the side of the wall. Replace and repair any broken window screens.
• Keep outdoor light at a minimum - these pests are attracted to light, and keeping bright lighting on is a major attraction. 
• If you come across a stink bug, trap it, don’t squish it! They crawl slowly enough that you should be able to trap it in a jar using a lid or piece of paper to usher it in there. You can also keep a special handheld vacuum with a bag (don’t use your home’s vacuum, it will smell) to suck them up, but remember to throw the bag out right away! Deposit stink bugs outside, where they’ll freeze in the winter weather.
• Keep your landscape properly trimmed. Stink bugs can hide under piles of leaves and tall grasses. If you store firewood, make sure to keep it at least 20 feet from your home to prevent pests from finding their way inside.
• Check and wash your veggies and greens when you bring them home. Many stink bug infestations start with a straggler on your produce. 

Keeping stink bugs out is the best thing you can do to prevent an infestation. Stink bugs like warmer places, like second floors and attics. They are quite slow and blunder around, bumping into lamps and walls. If you’ve already noticed several stink bugs in the home, there may be a nest hiding somewhere. You should resist the urge to use home remedies to remove them. Many people buy commercial insecticides or spread essential oils or use diatomaceous earth, but all of these products can be harmful to pets and children if not used carefully.

The simplest way to get rid of a stink bug infestation is to have an extermination company come look at the problem. They’ll be able to track down the nest and spread the right amount of proper insecticide, so that your home stays safe and healthy. Call Eagle Pest Services at 1-888-616-8739 and ask about our residential extermination services for stink bugs, or any other pest problems you may have. We’ll inspect your home and decide on the right course of action depending on your specific needs.