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Stink bugs are a non-native species and were accidentally introduced to the US from Asia in the late 1990s and have since spread nationwide. They earned their name due to their ability to emit a foul-smelling fluid as a defense mechanism when threatened.
If you notice that stink bugs have entered your home, it's important to address the problem before it worsens. Ehrlich’s technicians specialize in pest control for stink bugs and will work with you to develop an effective stink bug control plan customized to your home or business needs.
Contact us today for more information about stink bug control.
Start living pest-free!
Ehrlich’s stink bug control service
Whether you’re dealing with an ongoing infestation or are interested in preventative services, we can provide expert stink bug control advice and solutions. Ehrlich technicians are familiar with stink bugs and know how to get rid of them and prevent them from returning.
While stink bug traps and other products are available for purchase, a professional pest management service is the best method to prevent and manage stink bug infestations. Our preventative solution creates a treatment zone around your property to keep stink bugs where they belong – outside.
If you need pest control for stink bugs, contact us today to get started with a free quote.
What do stink bugs look like?
The full name of these invasive stink bugs is the brown marmorated stink bugs. Stink bugs are known for their distinctive triangular, shield-shaped bodies. They are typically brownish-grey and have various markings that help them blend in with their surroundings. They have six legs and are usually less than an inch long.
Even though they look threatening, stink bugs do not bite or sting people and will not cause structural damage to properties. To homeowners, stink bugs are considered a major nuisance pest, as they enter homes in large numbers when the weather begins to cool, seeking heat and warmth to survive over winter. If you think you have a stink bug infestation, it is recommended to seek help from a professional exterminator for stink bugs.
How do stink bugs get inside?
Stink bugs don't breed in your home during winter because they hibernate. They will try to find a cozy spot in your home but only lay eggs once the weather warms up. You'll notice them in the fall when the weather gets cool as they look for a warm place to hibernate and then when they begin to stir in the spring.
There are many ways that stink bugs may be entering your home. Some of the most common entry points can include:
- Gaps and cracks in doors or windows
- Damaged window or door screens
- Siding gaps or roof vents
- Openings in the roof or walls
- Plants or vegetation close to the building
Once stink bugs enter your home or business, they can be a headache to get rid of due to their small size and camouflaged bodies. If you need help exterminating stink bugs, Ehrlich can help. Contact us today to learn more about our stink bug control services.
How to keep stink bugs away
Although stink bugs can be a major nuisance, you can do your part to keep them away. The best way to keep stink bugs away is to prevent them from entering your home or business in the first place. Here are a few steps to prevent them:
- Seal all cracks and gaps around your foundation, windows, doors, pipes, electrical outlets, and underneath the fascia on the roof.
- Use screens on windows, doors, and vents, and be sure to repair any damaged ones.
- Ensure vegetation is not too close to the property’s foundation, as this can serve as a pathway for stink bugs to enter your home.
- Consider hiring a professional stink bug exterminator if you are having trouble getting rid of stink bugs.
If stink bugs have already entered your home, Ehrlich can help. We are experts in stink bug control and understand how to eliminate them. Contact us today to learn more about Ehrlich’s pest control for stink bugs.
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Frequently asked questions
Where do stink bugs come from?
The brown marmorated stink bug (the species most commonly encountered indoors) is native to China, Taiwan, North & South Korea, and Japan. However, some stink bug species are native to North America, including the brown stink bug (Euschistus servus).
Can stink bugs fly?
Stink bugs are strong fliers and can fly to a new habitat – more than one mile a day – or may even hitch a ride in shipping containers or on cars.
Why do stink bugs stink?
Stink bugs get their name from the foul odor they emit when they feel threatened or crushed, particularly against predators such as birds, lizards, mice, and other animals that prey on them. The odor can vary, with some emitting a cilantro-like smell and others smelling like a skunk. The odor comes from a chemical secreted from glands on their stomach.
Stink bugs can emit another odor that isn’t detected by humans but can be recognized by other stink bugs. Stink bugs release a specific pheromone when they find a safe place to hibernate for the winter. Other stink bugs recognize this specific pheromone and join to hibernate together throughout the winter.
What attracts stink bugs?
Like many other household pests, stink bugs are attracted to the warmth inside homes or businesses. Stink bugs are also attracted to bright lights, so it is advised to keep exterior lighting turned off and window blinds pulled down. Learn more about the best ways to get rid of stink bugs.
Are stink bugs dangerous?
Stink bugs pose more of an annoyance issue than any real danger. They don’t bite humans or damage your home like termites and other bugs can. They tend to invade in large numbers, which mostly just makes homeowners uneasy. Although stink bugs don’t pose a danger to humans or pets, in high numbers, they can destroy crops and damage fruits and vegetables badly enough to make them impossible to sell.
What is the life cycle of a stink bug?
Baby stink bugs are also known as nymphs. Nymphs can measure from around ⅛ to ½ inch in length and undergo molts as they progress into adulthood. Nymphs don’t tend to create issues as they cannot fly and remain on plants. They might move from a plant to a building if the plant is close to the building. The entire life cycle of a stink bug takes about four to six weeks, depending on environmental conditions like temperature and food availability.