Stink Bugs Are Everywhere This Fall, What Can You Do?

It's like a stink bug invasion, everywhere you look you see them. Are they taking over, and why are there so many infiltrating our homes?

I've talked to a lot of people all over the area, and everyone has had some type of stink bug encounter this fall. They seem to be everywhere.

Just the other day, when it was pretty warm, my wife turned on our air conditioner and six stink bugs flew out of it. Their outside, their inside, their everywhere. But why, what's causing this late season infestation?

I did a little research, and here's what I found out.

According to orkin.com, a pest control site, there's no other bug that makes it's presence know more in the fall then the stink bug.

Stink bugs will start to make their way closer to your home when the weather starts getting cooler. The first place you'll see them start to congregate will be around walls in your house with eastern exposure, on reflective surfaces, or any sunny surface.

Stink bugs are native insects to Southeast Asia, so they really don't like it when it gets cool, they get chilly just like we do, so they try and find places that are warm. They even release a pheromone that tells other stink bugs they have found a safe warm haven to hibernate in. Most of the time you'll find them in tight out of the reach places like small cracks in walls and floorboards. This type of hiding place serves not only as a winter home, but a place where their less likely to get bothered by predators.

If they have already made their move inside, and are already in a hibernation state, they don't move, eat, or even reproduce, so there's a good chance you won't even know they are there until they become active again in the spring.

Stink bugs are not dangerous bugs, they don't bite, or sting, actually the only thing they do is stink. When threatened or when you crush them, they secrete a foul smelling, yellow type liquid from their specialized stink gland.

So how can you prevent these unwanted visitors from entering your home. Since they can slip through even the smallest of cracks or openings, it's a good idea to seal those area's around your home, especially by doors and windows. Also you might want to feel for drafts and replace worn or damaged weatherstripping.

If it's too late, and they have already taken over inside your home, the best thing you can do is vacuum in grooves and cracks, then wash the area's where you find them with hot soapy water or an ammonia solution. Don't crush them or, thanks to the scent they release, you'll have more stink bugs heading your way.

I talked to my friend Clayton, who works for Orkin Pest Control in Danbury, and he said there's not too much even an exterminator can do to rid you of these pest's except a full out spray down of your home to keep them out.

Best thing you can do is stay diligent this time of year, and stay ahead of the situation so you can enjoy a stink free fall.