When you imagine disgusting pests, the stink bug might be one of the species that comes to mind. While they are a tiny insect, the strange and gross odor they release when disturbed or squashed is rather memorable and off-putting. You might have heard that stink bugs are only a problem in the summer, but they are frequently found in homes and businesses year-round.
While there are thousands of stink bug variations found worldwide, the most common species found around New York properties is the brown marmorated stink bug. These insects have bodies shaped like shields, six legs, and a pair of antennae. They are a mottled greyish-brown color and only get to be about an inch long.
While the brown marmorated stink bug lives in many parts of the United States, they actually are not native to this country. They are an invasive species that was introduced from Asia in the mid-1990s.
Are Stink Bugs Really A Problem?
As with any pest, the biggest concern is whether or not the stink bug is dangerous. Luckily, this species is mostly considered a nuisance pest. This is because they aren’t known to spread any illnesses to people, and they also don’t bite or sting. They also don’t cause property damage indoors, but they can damage crops and plants.
However, this doesn’t mean they don’t cause any issues for New York property owners. Having stink bugs around your home or business can quickly lead to a large infestation. They are an invasive species and their populations can easily grow out of control.
While this is generally the biggest concern for people in the agricultural industry, it also means that they can take over any kind of property. The brown marmorated stink bug often lives in wall voids where they will overwinter to find shelter from the harsh weather. Because of this, stink bugs are often an issue in the fall and winter months.
Overall, the main reason you don’t want them in your home, other than their large numbers, is that the smell they emit is extremely unpleasant.
Some Simple Ways To Prevent Stink Bugs
While stink bugs might be a nuisance pest, preventing them from coming inside can save you a lot of stress as you’ll never have to deal with removing them. There are luckily some easy and effective steps you can take to reduce the risk of a stink bug infestation.
- Fix broken screen doors and windows to keep stink bugs from coming inside.
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping.
- Keep outdoor lighting reduced and pointed away from the exterior of your building, as lights attract stink bugs and other insects.
- Repair leaky plumbing to avoid excess moisture attracting stink bugs to your home.
- Keep kitchens cleaned, and regularly wipe up food and drink spills to limit access to easy food sources.
Help With The Prevention And Removal Of Stink Bugs
Just because stink bugs on your property aren’t dangerous doesn’t mean you want to have them around. Dealing with their smell and large numbers is really frustrating, and it can be hard to eliminate an infestation on your own. If you’re looking for advice or assistance with stink bugs, partner with our team of New York pest control experts at BHB Pest Eliminators. With over 50 years of experience, you can rely on our customer service, innovative options, and friendly technicians to help you with stink bugs and other pest problems. To learn more about our residential pest control, contact us today online or over the phone.
