Stinkbugs stink! Literally. They are pests in your home and they smell terrible when you try to kill them. Stinkbugs caught a ride to the states on an Asian cargo ship in 2001 and have since been wreaking havoc on our lives. Here are some tips to help you get rid of those smelly stinkbugs.

Get Rid Of Those Smelly Stinkbugs

The number one thing to remember when dealing with stinkbugs is that squashing them is not the answer. When a stinkbug is squashed, stomped on, or crushed, it will let out a malodorous chemical. This is the reason these insects are called stinkbugs. Other stinkbugs are actually attracted to the smell that is released when they die, so you should avoid squashing these bugs unless you want more of these pests on your hands.

One option you have when trying to get rid of these pests is to vacuum. Vacuuming stinkbugs is effective because it will trap them without killing them. You should be very careful because even though it does not kill them, it will disturb them. In some cases, they will emit the smell anyway out of fear. You should vacuum quickly and then remove the bag as soon as possible. Put it into another bag and tie it tightly. Throw the bag away as far from your house as possible.

A preventative measure you should take is to seal up your home. Stinkbugs come into your home looking for somewhere to stay for the colder months. They enter in search of a bright, warm place to stay. They will hole up in any crack or crevice available. In order to stop this, inspect your home and seal up any holes or entry points. Check the foundation, water spigots, siding, windows, doors, and other areas of vulnerability. Any open gaps should be closed straightaway.

Call in the Pest Control Experts

If you are having problems getting rid of stinkbugs, you should seek professional exterminator help. Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable local businesses almost immediately. You don’t have to do any work! Simply input your problem and availability and within minutes you should be on the phone with someone who can help you out with your pest infestation problem.

Bedbugs are not just fictitious creatures our parents warned us about when we were little. They can present a serious issue. Bedbugs are tiny, reddish-brown in color, and nocturnal. That means while you sleep the night away, they’re up and running around, looking for a good meal.

Since most of the pesticides which prevent bedbugs have adverse effects on humans, we don’t often make it a point to spray our beds with them. Learning how to tell if you have bedbugs is the key to knowing when you need to implement the typical prevention methods.

How To Tell If You Have Bedbugs:

Is your bed stained?

Bedbugs leave behind secretions, similar to human sweat, which may stain your sheets, headboard, and baseboard reddish-brown. These secretions can stain pretty much every part of your bed. The stains aren’t always large and noticeable, like spilling grape juice on the sheets. You should inspect the bed carefully to look for even miniscule reddish-brown stain spots.

Do you smell something abnormally sweet?

The same secretions which leave those reddish-brown stains also produce an odor that has become telltale for bedbugs. This odor is typically musty and sweet, comparable to over-ripened raspberries. Even the slightest smell can be a sign that you have bedbugs. If the smell is incredibly strong, that means you have a rather large infestation.

Have you noticed rashes on your body?

Although you can’t feel when a bedbug bites you because it anesthetizes the area like mosquitoes do, you can certainly feel the after-effects. The small rashes surrounding the bites look like hives, are red, and are very itchy. The itch can be alleviated with topical creams available over the counter, but the rashes themselves take a few days to heal.

Can You See Them?

Bedbugs are small and often hide when you are on the lookout for them during the day. Check the creases of your mattress. They often hide there. Spotting a bedbug puts the mystery to rest.

Where To Find Professional Help 

If you used these tricks on how to tell if you have bedbugs and determined you do have an infestation, it’s time to get rid of them. Pest control specialists have this down to a science and can be a huge asset. To find one locally, visit TalkLocal and put in a request for service. We do all the work while you sit back and wait for help.

Silverfish make a home out of your home. These elusive pests inhabit urban areas and households. They are easily identifiable by their long teardrop-shaped body that is silver, and long “tails” at the end of their body. Although they are not dangerous, they are annoying house guests. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of silverfish.

Silverfish can be found in dark, damp places, but usually anywhere there is a food source. They can survive off of books, linens, and food crumbs. In other words, they can eat almost everything in your home, and will damage it all, too.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish

Since silverfish like damp areas, try dehumidifying your home. You can purchase a portable dehumidifier and use it around your house, especially in damp areas such as basements, garages, and attics.

Removing the food source is important. Although you cannot get rid of all of your books and clothing, try to keep them in a dry place and off of the floor. Also, clean your home often to remove any crumbs. Cleaning could also lead you to the nest of the silverfish and allow you to eliminate their eggs, so keep a tidy household! Wipe all surfaces, nooks, and crannies, and vacuum your floors and carpets.

If you have a serious silverfish problem, you may consider using an insecticide that you can purchase at your local hardware store. It is safe to use in your home in dark places, behind or underneath appliances.

You can also catch silverfish humanely with a glass jar trap. Wrap a jar with masking tape, sticky side facing the jar. Put some breadcrumbs inside the jar and place the jar in an area where you think you might have silverfish. The silverfish will climb into the jar and fall in. Since the inside of the jar is too smooth, the silverfish will be unable to climb out.

Find A Pest Control Professional Right Now

If you have a serious silverfish infestation, TalkLocal can help connect you with top local pest control professionals. We will connect you with up to three professionals in your area, within minutes!