As the summer heat fades, the second part of stink bug season comes around. Although harmless to humans, these nasty critters find themselves all around our walls, attics, and just about everywhere else too. Johnson Pest Control has been around long enough to know how to handle these smelly invaders. Keep your home protected from these pests with a few simple tips and tricks.
About the Stink Bug
The brown marmorated stink bug is actually not native to the Americas, but rather Asian countries like Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. They were first sighted in the United Stated around the mid 1990โs. Since the first sighting, they have made their way to over 30 different states.
They eat nearly everything they can get their mouths on, making them serious pests. Fruits, vegetables, weeds, tree leaves and more all find a place in their diet. March, April and September are the months where they are most a problem, as it is when they emerge from their winter sleep, and once again begin preparing for it.
Once they have established themselves in your home, they are very difficult to deal with. They are resistant to nearly all insecticides. The best way to keep your home safe is by prevention, which is why September is critical. By protecting your home as they try to find a warm home for the winter, you can keep your house free from them for months to come.
How to Keep Them at Bay
To best rid this pest, you must think like a bug. Seal all cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys and underneath the wood fascia and other openings with high-quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Remove wall and window air conditioners; installing weather stripping around doors and windows may help. Repair broken screens and windows to keep the seal on your house tight.
Examine your house for any small areas or any openings to the outside. They are tenacious, but with a sharp eye, your house can be successfully protected.
Getting Rid of Them
Stink bugs are unfortunately, pretty resilient. A mixture of water and soap (about 2%) can off these bugs. The best way to remove them is by trap and kill stations. Stink bugs will walk straight into pheromone lures, making them effective ways to remove them in masse.
Knoxville, TN, is home to plenty of these putrid pests, but Johnson Pest Control is on the job. By following these tips, you can keep your house stink bug-free this fall, which will help bring a stink bug-free spring next year. If these critters get to be too much, give us a call. Our experts can help you clear your house, barn or garage of any stink bug infestations.
Stink Bug Control in Sevierville TN
Serving Sevier County and surrounding areas since 1984