“The National Pest Management Association anticipates more stink bugs this fall” – NPMA

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs have recently been the cause of alarm among farmers and residents in Indiana and the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. These bugs are looking for warmer spots as a winter refuge. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), “they are predicting a heavy stink bug season and encourage homeowners to take the necessary steps to thwart home invasions.”

Brown Stink Bug

Where Do Stinkbugs come from?

Stink bugs are a native of Asia. Their spread was first seen in the United States in the mid-1990s near Allentown, PA.

Today stink bugs are now found in 38 states extending from coast to coast, border to border, with their main concentration in the mid-Atlantic region. 

“The Mid-Atlantic experienced long periods of sustained hot weather this summer, allowing stink bug populations to grow to much higher levels than we saw in 2011” explains Jim Fredericks, Technical Director,  NPMA. “Now that the weather is cooling off, there are more stink bugs seeking sites to overwinter.”

Stink bugs may look nasty and scary but they “do not pose serious property or safety threats to homeowners, but their tendency to invade homes in high numbers can be a nuisance,” says Missy Henriksen, VP for Public Affairs, NPMA. “Luckily, there are steps people can take to prevent stink bugs from entering their homes.”

The NPMA offers the following stink bug prevention tips:

  • Seal and caulk cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings.
  • Repair or replace damaged screens on windows or doors.
  • Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum as stink bugs are attracted to lights.
  • If stink bugs have already entered a home, use a vacuum cleaner for their removal and dispose of the bag immediately to prevent odor from permeating the area.
  • If an infestation develops, a licensed pest professional should be contacted to evaluate and assess the severity problem.

Also Try this Simple Stink Bug Trap

Stink Bug Profile

Scientific Name: Halyomorpha halys
Color: Mottled grayish-brown
Legs: 6
Shape: Triangular or shield
Size: 3/4″ long
Antennae: Yes
Region: Found in the eastern half of the U.S., as well as California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas

As the experts have said, Stinkbugs do not pose a threat to humans and properties but their massive number can be a nuisance and once you step on them, you’ll spend the rest of the day putting off that nasty smell. Stinkbugs however can be prevented from entering homes and properties.

If there’s a stink bug infestation in your area, please contact All Pest Exterminating Inc. to assess the problem and provide an immediate and effective solution.