Have you noticed peculiar shield-shaped bugs around your house recently? Have you caught whiffs of a pungent, coriander-like odor? You may be experiencing an infestation of stink bugs. As a homeowner, there are few things more frustrating than a pest invasion. Learn more about stink bugs and what to expect from these insects.
What are Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are nasty insects that feed on plants both indoors and outdoors. One of the most common of these is the brown marmorated stink bug. These small insects have a distinctive shield-shaped body, are mottled brown in color, and seek out warm spots and plants. They have straight antennas and brown bands on the upper parts of their wings. Since stink bugs consume plants, they have piercing and sucking mouthparts.
Stink bugs get their stink from glands in their abdomens. These glands secrete a smelly odor as a way to protect itself from predators. Some people think that stink bugs smell like pungent coriander and the smell tends to linger for a long time. It is recommended that you not crush stink bugs, especially if you find them inside your house as the smell will be much worse and more difficult to get rid of.
Are Stink Bugs Harmful?
While stink bugs are a serious nuisance, they are not usually harmful to humans. They like to find plants for food and multiply quickly wherever they are. These bugs will attack your plants and will often overwinter in a home, remaining there until spring.
Stink bugs are usually found outside on your property, but they will find ways to get inside your home if they follow the warmth inside. Stink bugs can find cracks in walls, windows, or doors and like to live in the walls of your house. If they are crushed or die in an electrical fixture the odor can stick around for a long time. If your home is not properly sealed pests like stink bugs can find a way in.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
If your property is already infested by these pests and you don't want to stink up your house, what should you do? While some people suggest DIY methods, the very best thing you can do is to get help from a service that deals with stink bug control. A professional pest control company will get rid of stink bugs quickly and efficiently without the risk of bad odors being left behind.
Contact your local Senske Service technician to get a free estimate on service and get rid of pesky stink bugs!
