We are in the thick of winter here in North Carolina, and that means pests are constantly looking for a warm place to stay. With that in mind, you may notice more stink bugs making their way inside as they look to keep warm. Did you know stink bugs were named because of the odor they release when they’re crushed or when they sense a threat? There are more than 200 kinds of stink bugs in the United States with many also calling North Carolina home. This invasive species was first found in Pennsylvania in the 1990s. Stink bugs feed on plants, fruits, and crops, which makes them a huge threat to farms and gardens. Here are several ways to keep you and your home free of stink bugs this winter and into the spring: Eliminate Entry Points With the colder temperatures, stink bugs are looking for tiny spaces to get indoors. Easy entry points include holes in siding and screens, window frames, vents, and window air conditioners. Once stink bugs get inside, they will make their home in attics, folds in drapes, crevices in walls, or any area that gets little attention or movement. Be sure to weatherstrip any doors, caulk windows, and pay attention to entryways like fireplaces. Reduce Food Sources Just like many other pests, stink bugs are attracted to food. They will gladly eat any crumbs or spills left behind – so don’t give stains or spills the chance to set in. When you’re done cooking or eating, it’s helpful to vacuum or sweep up the floor to get any crumbs you might have missed. Take out your trash regularly and always keep food covered in airtight containers. Maintain Your Lawn Trees, plants, and garden areas are popular feeding spots for stink bugs, so be sure to keep up with these areas even in the winter. Most stink bugs will find food near uncultivated areas, so we recommend that you continue to keep your gardens free of weeds. Vacuum Often Stink bugs can easily be removed from walls and windows by a vacuum. This is one of the easiest and best methods to kill stink bugs and keep an infestation from happening. Vacuuming often and in areas around doors and windows can kill stink bugs you may not even know are there. If you find a stink bug while cleaning, only squash it as a last resort. Turn Off Your Lights Exterior and interior lights can attract stink bugs to your home. Keep lighting to a softer tone and use blinds to reduce any light from the inside spilling out. Likewise, keep outdoor lighting to a minimum and turn off porch lights before going to bed. Cap Chimneys and Heating Vents Stink bugs have no problem making it up to your roof. Because of that, it’s helpful to install caps or screens on any chimneys or heating vents you have in your home. This will keep stinkbugs and several other pests from nesting in your chimney during the winter months. The good news about stink bugs is that they do not bite people or animals, and they can’t cause structural damage to your home. But as we mentioned earlier, they can cause damage to crops which can be a major issue in eastern North Carolina as agriculture is a major industry.
To prevent stinkbugs and all types of pests, hire Pestech of Greenville. We are fully licensed and equipped to offer you a complete range of indoor and outdoor pest management and extermination services throughout the entire year. Give us a call at 252-353-4760 or email pestechofgreenville@hotmail.com to get started. Comments are closed.
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