Stink bugs are tiny, shield-shaped insects that resemble dime-sized insects. Although they are usually green or brown as adults, stink bugs are not particularly popular for their looks. When smashed or threatened, these pests are famous for their strong odor.
People in Frisco have sometimes compared the unpleasant smell to rotten cilantro. The most common kind that homeowners will come across is the brown marmorated stink bug. To find out how to deal with an infestation, contact an Exterminator in Frisco if you have a stink bug problem.
Ways to get rid of stink bugs from your home
Stink bugs are not native to North America and can cause destruction to crops. Originating in Asia, brown marmorated stink bugs are famous for devouring a variety of crops, including soybeans, peaches, and almonds. There are no natural predators to control infestations because these bugs were not introduced to the US. Consequently, stink bugs have damaged crops to the extent of thousands of dollars.
These pests can quickly destroy small gardens, which is an issue for commercial growers. If you fail to take immediate action, stink bugs might kill your crop if you raise any form of produce.
Eliminating stink bug invaders is quite a challenge. To solve this problem, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have been working with regional organizations. Thankfully, if they have entered your house or a tiny piece of land, they are relatively easy to deal with.
What Attracts Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are unaffected by temperature, even though they typically enter homes in the fall and winter. Stink bugs often invade homes in quest of food, just like a lot of other pests. Stink bugs consume a broad range of plants, including trees, fruits, and vegetables grown within your home, as well as field crops like soybeans. Furthermore, overripe, broken, or decaying fruit and plants also appeal to them.
Strategies to Prevent Stink Bugs –
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Home Sealing
As they say, sometimes the best medicine is prevention. Ensuring your home’s entry ports are properly sealed is the primary protection against stink bugs. To prevent stink bugs from coming inside, caulk should be used to seal cracks and crevices. Stink bugs, like other pests, can fly through doors, windows, and other openings, so be sure to close them as closely as possible. Another way to avoid getting is to install screens at entrances.
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Cleanliness is the key
Keeping clean kitchen areas is also vital because stink bugs are drawn to food sources in your house. To get rid of any residual smells, clean the countertops in your kitchen as often as you can with water and dish soap.
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Upgrade your lighting
Since stink bugs are drawn to powerful white light, you might also want to think about changing any bright white lights outside your house with warmer-toned or yellow bulbs.
Additionally, stink bugs are pests that hibernate. Along with ladybugs, you will probably notice their presence in the cooler months as they search for a warm spot to survive the winter. If you have any housekeeping to do, try to finish it by early October before the stink bugs move in.
DIY methods for treating stink bugs
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Essential oils
The use of essential oils for pest management has grown considerably in popularity over the past several decades. Sadly, the FDA fails to regulate essential oil therapies, and it can be challenging to determine whether these techniques are successful. Essential oils like peppermint and rosemary are often utilized to control pests.
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Traps for Stink Bugs
Stink bug traps are available at home improvement stores. Sticky traps are usually the most popular type of stink bug trap. Although these traps generally go up on the floor or higher surfaces, they can be successful in capturing stink bugs because they can fly.
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Vacuum cleaners
Using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of stink bugs from your house can work well if you are only dealing with a few of them here and there. If you do try to remove stink bugs using a vacuum, be sure to remove the vacuum bag right away and dispose of it outside, as far away from your house as you can.
