Bug Off! Keeping Stink Bugs Out of Your Home

Fall in New England brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and stink bugs. As soon as the temperatures start to dip, stink bugs start searching for a cozy spot to ride out the winter, and your home is often their top choice. Unless you know how to stop them. With a few simple steps, you can keep stink bugs outside where they belong.

Stink Bugs: What You Need to Know

The brown marmorated stink bug may seem like a recent problem, but it’s been in the U.S. since the late 90s. And today, they’ve spread to nearly every state. While this invasive species doesn’t bite, sting, or harm pets, it can be incredibly frustrating to deal with once inside.

Here are a few fast facts every homeowner should know:

• They sneak in through small gaps. Their flat, shield-like bodies make it easy for them to slip through torn window screens, door frames, and even tiny cracks around your siding.
• They call their friends. Once one stink bug settles in, it releases a scent that signals others to join. That means an infestation can grow quickly.
• They damage plants and crops. Outdoors, stink bugs are a major agricultural pest, feeding on fruits, veggies, soybeans, corn, and even the ornamental plants in your garden.

That’s why prevention is so important, so you can protect your house before they make it their winter home.

How to Stop Stink Bugs and Other Fall Pests

Wondering how to keep stink bugs and other fall pests from moving into your home for the winter? Here are the stink bug prevention steps that make the biggest difference:

• Seal off entry points. Check around siding, chimneys, utility pipes, and under fascia for cracks or gaps. A little caulk now can save you a big headache later.
• Fix window and door screens. Even the tiniest tear is an open invitation for stink bugs to come inside.
• Turn down the lights. Outdoor lights attract stink bugs, so keep porch and patio lighting to a minimum when possible.
• Trim shrubs and trees. Keep branches and bushes away from your siding. Plants close to the house make it easier for pests to find their way in.
• Call in the pros. A fall pest control treatment creates a protective barrier around your home, stopping stink bugs (and other invaders) before they settle in.

Pro-tip: Resist the urge to squish! Stink bugs get their name for a reason: when crushed, they release an unpleasant odor. Instead, gently grab them with a tissue and toss them outside.