How to identify and get rid of stink bugs

Sometimes an insect in your home just wants a warm place to chill for the winter. No harm in that, right?

Well, when that uninvited guest happens to bring all his friends and they smell bad, then we have a pest problem on our hands!

Stink bugs, especially brown marmorated stink bugs or BMSB, are notorious for invading homes when the weather starts to cool. And while they aren’t interested in stealing your food or sucking your blood, their offensive odor is just as annoying to homeowners.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to get rid of these smelly pests and keep them from showing up in your home.

Stink bugs come in many different colors, but the one that commonly invades homes is a small, marbled brown stink bug. Like most stink bugs, they have a triangular or shield-shaped body with long antennae.

This stink bug is distinguishable from other brown stink bugs by the white bands on their antennae and legs.

The nymphs are more brightly colored with red and black markings.

How big are stink bugs?

Most stink bugs are about 5/8 – 2/3 inch long or about the size of a dime.

What other stink bugs look like brown marmorated stink bugs?

Brown marmorated stink bugs can often be mistaken for the rough stink bug, seed bug, and the consperse stink bug. These stink bugs are also brown with banding on the abdomen but lack the white bands on the antennae and legs. Also, the brown marmorated stink bug nymph is very similar in size, shape and color to the spotted lanternfly nymph.

Brown marmorated stink bugs are an invasive species in the United States, which means that it is originally from southeast Asia and was accidentally introduced into the US. It is an aggressive feeder on more than 100 fruits and vegetables and causes millions of agricultural damage each year in the US alone.

While stink bugs prefer to live in more forested areas, or orchards, during the fall, the warmth and shelter of residential homes are very attractive. They can be found congregating on the sunny sides of buildings and can hide under siding, soffits, or cracks and gaps in windows or doors.

When it’s cold outside, stink bugs will remain inactive and wait out the winter conditions. If they get inside your warm home, they can often become more active and attracted to lights and windows.

Since stink bugs are looking for a place to overwinter, taking steps to prevent stink bugs from entering your home is the best defense against these invading pests. Here are some tips below:

• Seal any cracks or gaps, broken window screens, or any openings in the home
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Vacuum up stink bugs to reduce the smell
• Knock them into a bucket of soapy water
• Create a trap from a roast pan, soapy water, and a light
• Consider a barrier spray

Pestie can create a customized pro-grade solution for your location. It’s the perfect DIY pest control that is delivered to your door for year-round protection that can protect your home from stink bugs.