Can You Prevent Stink Bugs From Invading Your Home? Here's What We Found

As you dig out your sweaters for fall, remember that stink bugs will be seeking warmth, too. The brown marmorated stink bug can be found all across the country, and during the cooler months, they're happy to take shelter in your home. If stink bugs do end up invading your house, they will often hunker down through winter until the temperatures start to rise in the spring. That's when you'll typically notice them out and about looking for an exit. While your natural reaction might be to squish them—that would be a big mistake. Their foul odor comes from glands located in their abdomen, and they use it to protect themselves from predators. It helps deter animals from eating them, while warning other bugs of the danger. Squishing them will only lead to a very stinky home. As for the odor, it's often described as smelling like intense herbs or rotting veggies.

With that in mind, stink bugs are one of many pests you don't want to find hiding in your walls. And although they don't physically harm humans, they can still be quite the nuisance. Luckily, there are simple home maintenance tasks to help keep them at bay, such as sealing main entry points. It's best to take action now so that you're not forced to call in a professional later.

Before stink bugs become a problem in your residence, you can prevent them from checking in as unwanted guests. It all starts with doing a deep inspection of your house from the outside. Look for cracks or gaps where they might be able to get inside, paying close attention to areas near windows and doors. Seal them up with caulk. Stink bugs can also enter through these types of openings on the siding or foundation, so keep your eyes peeled and seal them as well. Fix any window screens that are damaged, and add screens to vents. Keep in mind that stink bugs are drawn to light, so keep your outdoor lighting to a minimum after the sun goes down to avoid drawing them to your yard. 

Stink bugs are the kind of garden pests that eat your plants in summer, but during the cold season they hide in dead trees, wood piles, and other piles of debris. Clean up this decaying matter around your home, and trim any trees or bushes that are close to your house and coould act as a highway for the bugs leading indoors. If they do end up getting inside your home, one way you can eliminate them is by using a vacuum cleaner with a bag. Suck them up with the vacuum extension, then dispose of the bag right away. Always seek help from a professional if you have a stink bug infestation that's too hard to handle. But in the meantime, take action around your home before there's even an issue. Your nose will thank you for it.