Are you familiar with the shield-shaped insect known as the brown marmorated stink bug—or "stink bug" for short? Do you have visitations from these bugs in the fall or find them getting into your Raleigh home just before winter? If so, you probably have questions. We're going to take a look at a few important stink bug facts, discuss how you can make a trap to catch stink bugs, and talk about what is required to keep stink bugs out of your Raleigh home.
Stink Bug Facts
Before we talk about prevention and control, let's cover a few important facts that residents of Raleigh need to know.
- Do stink bugs bite humans? No. These insects are not known to bite humans or pets. They will, however, bite an apple sitting in a bowl on your kitchen table. It is a good idea to hide fruit when stink bugs get into your home.
- Are stink bugs poisonous? No. These insects aren't considered to be a medical threat to humans. Just don't eat them. But, of course, that goes without saying.
- Can dogs eat stink bugs? One time is fine, but it isn't good for dogs to eat several stink bugs. Fortunately, dogs and cats usually realize their error and don't eat more than one.
- Do stink bugs damage homes? No. They don't make holes in order to get inside. They use holes that already exist.
- Do stink bugs damage property? Stink bugs can damage your belongings. Residents commonly find what they refer to as stink bug stains when these pests congregate inside. It is important to note that stink bugs stains are caused by the excrement of stink bugs, not the chemical that makes the bad smell. While this material doesn't smell too bad, it can stain your stuff.
- Do stink bugs nest inside? When you find lots of stink bugs in a window void, you might think you've found a stink bug nest, but stink bugs don't nest inside homes and they won't reproduce inside your house. These are outdoor pests that become indoor pests during the winter months. They'll leave your home in spring and find an outdoor location to create a stink bug nest.
It's Easy To Catch Stink Bugs
When you find a stink bug crawling on your curtains, you could suck it up with your vacuum, but that's not the best way to get rid of stink bugs; it can make your vacuum start to stink. But, don't worry, it's actually easy to catch and release stink bugs with a stink bug trap.
Take a 1-liter plastic bottle and cut ⅓ of the top off. Invert that piece and put it back into the base. What you've created is a funnel that stink bugs will slide down. When they fall into the base, they can't climb back out. Put your stink bug trap over a stink bug, gently dislodge the stink bug and it will fall into your trap without making a stink about it. See? Super easy.
It's Easy To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs
When you grow tired of catching stink bugs and putting them back outside and you want to get rid of stink bugs for good, we know of a super-easy way to do this as well. Reach out to Go-Forth Home Services. Our service technicians use products and methods that are widely considered to be the best in the industry. We can get those stink bugs out and help you keep them out.
Stink Bug Control In Raleigh
If you have questions that weren't addressed in this article or you'd like to request service for your Raleigh area home, connect with us. We're here to assist you with all of your pest concerns. You don't have to live with stink bugs getting into your home every fall. Start living a pest-free life, starting today.