Proudly Serving Northern New Jersey, Rockland County & Manhattan

Stink Bug Control

Stink bugs, despite their frightening appearance, do not bite or sting humans and do not harm buildings structurally. Since stink bugs enter houses in large numbers as the weather cools off in search of warmth and heat to survive the winter, they are regarded by homeowners as a serious nuisance pest.

Stink bugs are small insects that can emit an unpleasant odor to ward off predators. They are sometimes referred to by their Latin name, Halyomorpha halys. Over 5,000 distinct species of stink bugs can be found worldwide.

Although they do not harm humans, they can harm indoor and outdoor plants. Every year, stink bugs have been known to completely destroy crops like peaches, apples, and soybeans. The majority of the US is frequently home to these bugs and many homeowners are reaching out to experts for stink bug control.

Getting Rid of Stink Bugs?
Stink Bug Control

Shield bug is another name for stink bugs, which get their name from their oval bodies that resemble shields. Adults are approximately 2 cm long, depending on the species. Stink bugs are characterized by their six legs, two antennae, and two perfectly folded wings on their backs.

The color varies depending on the species, from more neutral shades like brown or grey to more vibrant shades like orange-red or green with dark markings. In the spring, stink bugs usually mate and lay masses of eggs on plant stems and the undersides of leaves.

Stink bugs congregate in areas that receive a lot of sunlight during warmer months. The outside of windows and doors, as well as the sides of buildings, are a few examples of these locations.

To keep stink bugs out of your house or place of business, you should educate yourself on their habits, take precautions to avoid an infestation, and know what to do when one does happen.

Which Indications Point to a Stink Bug Infestation?

Even though stink bugs are covert intruders, there are warning indications you should look out for, ideally before they establish a home in your house.

These insects can seriously harm plants and fruit trees when they are outside. Because stink bugs consume plant sap, they cause wilting leaves, stunted growth, and pits and spots on the surface of fruits. They may even impede the development of fruit, resulting in malformed or early-dropped fruits.

If stink bugs get into your house, you might smell something strange, like burnt tires, rotting leaves, or skunk spray, especially close to windows and warm spots. They often gather on these surfaces, where they release pheromones that draw in additional stink bugs.

Look out for any unclean brown or yellow stains on your carpet, window sills, or furniture. This might be a sign that you have a stench issue that is directly in front of you.

There will always be more stink bugs after the initial indications. Thus, don’t put off hiring a stink bug exterminator.

How Long Does the Stink Bug Smell Last?

Stink bugs use tiny holes in their abdomens to release an offensive stench when they are scared. It is believed that this smell will deter predators from consuming them.

The smell of cilantro may be similar to that of stink bugs because cilantro contains the same ingredients as stink bugs’ secretions. Once released, it can linger for up to an hour.

Avoid smashing stink bugs because they release an odor when they die. The best course of action is to vacuum up the bugs and discard the bag if you want to get rid of the bug smell right away. Since stink bugs can release their stench almost constantly, getting rid of them is necessary to eliminate the stench.

In the unfortunate event that you crush it, or it happens to leak its pungent odor onto your home’s surfaces, you can get rid of the stench by mixing warm, soapy water with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

How Can You Prevent Stink Bugs from Entering Your Home?

  • Start by looking over every potential point of entry and filling in any obvious gaps or cracks.
  • Examine the frames of windows, doors, external wood siding, light fixtures, and outlets, particularly those that are exposed to direct sunlight.
  • For glass, caulk, a silicone-based mixture, is advised.
  • Alternatively, make the required repairs to seal off larger openings and potential entry points.
  • Since stink bugs are drawn to light, you might want to replace your outside lightbulbs with sodium-vapor or yellow bulbs, which are known to repel insects.
  • Removing any accumulation of moisture around your house can significantly reduce the likelihood of numerous pest infestations. Look for clogged drains and leaky pipes.
  • Food should be kept in airtight containers, and trash should be routinely disposed of in sealed containers. Additionally, be sure to sweep floors and wipe down counters to get rid of spill residue and crumbs.
  • To remove potential hiding places, ensure that crawl spaces, garages, attics, and basements are properly ventilated. For these areas, think about installing a dehumidifier. Installing screens over your attic vents and chimney is also advisable.
  • Before bringing things indoors, check things like grocery bags and boxes holding holiday decorations. Once inside the house, stink bugs can travel on these things and settle in.
  • Maintaining well-trimmed shrubbery and branches can help keep stink bugs out of the house.

Can Stink Bugs be Exterminated?

Your house or yard’s stink bug problem could get out of hand. In addition to destroying your gardens and plants, these pests are ugly and smell bad.

Regretfully, homemade remedies for getting rid of stink bugs rarely succeed. Don’t worry, though! To get rid of bothersome stink bugs from your property, there are skilled technicians who are knowledgeable in industry standards.

Stink bugs can be manually removed from homes using a broom and dustpan, being careful not to crush them. This is one of the most popular do-it-yourself methods.

Although it is not recommended, you can vacuum stink bugs. A stink bug can be crushed by a vacuum, which will release a noxious odor. Therefore, if you use it somewhere else, that smell might stick around and enter your house.

Without a professional’s help, controlling a stink bug infestation can be difficult if they have made their way into your home. However, stink bugs can be exterminated with professional assistance easily.

Titan Pest Services: The Best Stink Bug Exterminator

Stink bugs are agricultural pests that disturb gardens and crops as part of the intricate natural balance. But these stinking insects can quickly become an annoyance if they manage to get into your living areas. Titan Pest Services intervenes with targeted pest control methods for stink bugs.

Our skilled staff prioritizes both your comfort and the security of your property because they recognize the urgency of managing stink bugs.

Titan Pest Services expertly tackles stink bug infestations by fusing precision and experience, guaranteeing a pest-free home that relieves your discomfort and gives you peace of mind. To help you reclaim your home, we offer a targeted stink bug pest control service that uses cutting-edge technology and techniques.

You can keep these harmful pests out of your house and garden with our expertise in stink bug pest control. Call Titan for quick assistance with any of your stink bug control needs!