Stink bugs, (pictured above,) are some the most annoying pests that invade your home because of the pungent odor that they give off. The smell can be difficult to remove, and it also acts as a signal, notifying other stink bugs in the area that your house is a nice, warm, light place to hibernate for the winter. Because of this, once you get one, you are bound to get more. Getting rid of stink bugs can be difficult, especially because of the even stronger odor they release when crushed.
Preventing Stink Bugs
The best way to deal with stink bugs is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. If you already have stink bugs, you can try these things to prevent getting any more. You should also keep these tips in mind future years.
1. Make sure you seal everything, especially towards the end of fall when the temperature begins to get cold. This is when stink bugs will be looking for a warm place to hibernate for the winter.
– Put screens on your windows and doors.
– Make sure your screens do not have any holes.
– Check for cracks around your windows, doors, utility pipes, and chimneys.
– Cover any cracks with boards or cement sealant.
2. Spray chemical repellents around your house.
– Spray outside of your house and the area around it with cypermethrin.
– Because of the toughness of the stink bugs’s skin, you may want to use a “spread sticker” to ensure that the chemicals work faster.
– You will need to use about 2-3 gallons of chemicals to effectively spray your house.
Getting Rid of Stink Bugs
If you already have stink bugs in your house, you are going to need a way to get rid of them. Remember, do not squish them, as this will let out a particularly unpleasant odor in your home that will be extremely difficult to remove.
1. Suck up the stink bugs with your vacuum.
– Make sure you seal the bag immediately after vacuuming the stink bugs.
– Make sure you do not crush them until you have gotten the bag far away from you home.
2. Contact a pest control professional.
– If there are too many stink bugs, or you just don’t want or don’t have time to deal with them, you can contact a pest control professional to get rid of the stink bugs for you.
– Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with high quality pest control professionals in your area that are available when you need them.
