The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), or simply the “stink bug,” is an invasive insect that is believed to have originated in Asia and first began appearing in the U.S. roughly 25 years ago. Stink bugs have a somewhat triangular-shaped body that is approximately ¾ of an inch long, has antennae, and appears in shades of brown and grey. The adults are equipped with wings and can fly.
In nature, stink bugs are commonly found near fruit trees, gardens, and areas of agricultural activity that provide them with sufficient food supplies. Stink bugs are active during the warmer months, and as the temperatures cool during the fall will seek a location to overwinter—which might be your home. These pests are aptly named because they commonly emit an unpleasant odor from their glands when they are threatened.
Stink bugs can overwinter outdoors beneath piles of debris such as leaves or fallen trees. When indoors, they might be attracted to attics, basements, or similar storage areas.
The Problems That Stink Bugs Can Create
Stink bugs are predominately considered a nuisance pest that does not pose a realistic threat to human health; however, the chemicals in their odorous fluid may cause mild allergic reactions among people with sensitivities. In large numbers, stink bugs can create agricultural problems by destroying crops.
Tips For Preventing These Pests
It is important to prevent stink bugs from entering your Raleigh home, as these pests can be challenging to oust once they are indoors. Some of the best strategies include:
- Position fruit or vegetable gardens away from the home.
- Closely inspect the property’s exterior for cracks or holes in the structure and fill them with a durable caulk or sealant when needed.
- Consider installing screens or mesh over vents that might allow them access.
- Fix any holes in screens and apply weatherstrips or sweeps to seal any gaps around windows or exterior doors.
- Consider using a vacuum to capture stink bugs to contain and minimize the odor that they emit.
Properly Responding To Pest Control Problems
Some property owners that recognize the initial signs of a pest-related problem are unaware of the progressive nature of these infiltrations. There are several reasons why intruding pest problems often quickly worsen, such as a failure to identify and correct the physical points of entry that are allowing access to hordes of other critters and the fact that those already indoors can rapidly reproduce. In a matter of several weeks, some individuals will notice that the infestation has gotten out of control.
The best way of responding to these concerns is to contact a seasoned pest controller who will closely inspect the premises to assess the nature and extent of the problem accurately. Our experts will also notice additional property conditions that pose vulnerabilities to future pest invasions in many cases.
Experienced Team Of Local Pest Controllers
The local experts with Go-Forth Home Services have been proudly delivering superior results for home and business owners in this region for decades now and operate according to the best practices for ensuring the safety of our customers and the environment that we share. Aside from being active in this regional community, we recognize the importance of education and collaboration on a national level. Our activity in the National Pest Management Association allows us to join and support more than 5,000 members that are committed to environmental preservation, public health, and preventing property damage.
We partly attribute our organization’s ability to grow and thrive for so many years to a firm commitment to customer satisfaction. Our technicians understand this; therefore, we diligently follow up on our work to ensure that we meet or exceed your expectations and offer a satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly team members.