Stink bugs are anything but pleasant. Not only are they invasive, but these small insects will cause a really bad stench if you swat them. This piece will provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about stink bugs to help you understand them better.
What are stink bugs?
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A stink bug is a small insect known to release a foul-smelling odor when you disturb or hit it. Traced back to Eastern Asia, they made their first appearance around the 1990s in the US. Now you can find them in 44 states, wreaking havoc.
How do I identify a stink bug?
A marmorated stink bug measures around ¾ of an inch, has a shield-like shape, and can fly. These insects come with antennae, 6 legs, and a grayish-brown coloration. Stink bugs can be very silent and undetectable.
What’s the lifecycle of a stink bug?
Stink bugs have a mating season running from spring until late fall. Basically, they keep busy mating, molting, and feeding. Females can lay anywhere from 20 to 30 eggs at a go underneath host plant leaves. These eggs eventually hatch within a week with the newborns undergoing several cycles before emerging as adults. During the mating period, they’ll eat plant stems, leaves, and fruits. But the moment it starts to get cold outside, they’ll find a way to get into your crawl spaces, walls, and attics.
Should I be wary of stink bugs?
You don’t have to fear any physical attack from a stink bug. They are mostly a nuisance and tend to attack gardens, as well as plants and fruit. Commonly referred to as overwintering pests, stinkbugs will seek warmer shelters indoors when it begins to get cold. During the warmer months, you’ll find them eating crops and attacking fruit trees. Stink bug infestations can escalate really fast, making them a nightmare for homeowners.
Why do stink bugs smell?
The stink bug stench is a defense mechanism against predators or threats. They’ll give off their foul-smelling odor that tends to linger for hours if you swat them or when they feel threatened.
How did a stink bug enter my home?
Since stink bugs are very quiet and lightweight, it’s easy for them to land on your clothes before you manage to get into your home. Other ways include hitching a ride in grocery bags or hanging onto lawn furniture. Stink bugs are also attracted to light, meaning they can get in by sneaking through windows, doors, utility pipes, and cracks.
Stink bugs won’t bite or sting you, making them less dangerous. They are only harmful to plants since they feed off of different crops and fruits. They also don’t spread diseases, feed on blood, or cause damage in the home.
How do I prevent stink bugs from getting into my home?
It’s simple! Do all you can to keep them from finding a way in. Ensure that every possible entryway is sealed. Check that your windows and doors are in good condition and seal up any cracks. Always inspect every item you intend on bringing into your house. Don’t forget to maintain routine outdoors cleaning. Keep your yard grass trim and get rid of weeds. If you notice a few, make sure you find their location and get rid of them.
Got a stink bug problem?
If you’re currently dealing with a stink bug swarm, call a St. Clair Shores pest control professional. Reach out to Solidified Pest Control to help you take back your home from these annoying invaders and keep them out for good. Solidified Pest Control offers pest removal services in Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties. We provider reliable and professional pest removal and rodent services in Troy, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Ferndale, Livonia, Redford, St. Clair Shores, Clawson, and Clarkston, Michigan. Contact us today by filling out our online form.