As summer turns into Fall, the chances of you seeing stink bugs in your home increase immensely. Although these little pests aren’t toxic, their smell appears like it is. In this month’s pest profile, we’re talking about the stink bug. According to Pest World, brown marmorated stink bugs are an invasive species from Asia that first arrived in Pennsylvania in the late 1990s. Now, they can be found across the United States. Depending on their exact species, stink bugs vary in size. Some are almost two centimeters long and are as wide as they are long. They can be brown, gray, or dark green in color and are comprised of three body segments. They also have a shield-shaped abdomen and six legs. Most species of stink bugs only live for about six to eight months. Most stink bugs eat plants. When they’re young, they often feed on weeds or grass. Adult stink bugs can be found in fields, orchards, or residential landscapes. They’ll feed on apples, berries, beans, ornamental plants, and even cotton. There is a category of stink bugs that feed on other bugs, like velvet bean caterpillars, root weevils, Colorado potato beetles, and southern green stink bugs. Because these predatory stink bugs feed on other insects that attack plants, gardeners consider them to be somewhat beneficial. Stink bugs will start searching for warmth as the weather gets cold and we enter Fall. This leads them to enter homes and businesses that can provide a warm shelter. Stink bugs can be found hiding in cracks and crevices around baseboards, windows, and trim. They’re also very commonly found in lights and exhaust fans. Signs of a stink bug infestation in your home include smells, stains, and damaged produce. Stink bugs infamously secrete a foul-smelling liquid when they feel threatened or are crushed. Some say the liquid smells like rotten vegetables or coriander. Unfortunately, the scent will linger, and the liquid can stain surfaces, especially wood or carpet. While trusting Pestech of Greenville is the most efficient and cost-effective way to keep your home stink-bug free, there are several easy things you can do yourself to prevent them:
Like ants and termites, stink bugs often enter structures in large numbers. This makes them difficult to control once inside. Prevention is key, and now is the time to treat for stink bugs and other potential pests. At Pestech of Greenville, our technicians are trained to keep your home pest-free safely and effectively. Give us a call at 252-353-4760 or email PestechOfGreenville@hotmail.com to get started. Comments are closed.
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