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Stink Bugs

What do stink bugs look like?

Adult stink bugs are a mottled brown-gray color and can grow to be about ¾ of an inch in length. They may also have patches of copper or blue-metallic on their heads. Stink bugs are just about as long as they are wide, have 6 legs, and antennae. Stink bugs are also called “shield bugs” because of the triangular shaped plate that is found on their backs.

stink bug

Are stink bugs dangerous?

Stink bugs are not dangerous to humans; they do not bite or sting and aren’t known to transmit any serious diseases. Stink bugs are major agricultural pests. They feed a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some of their favorites include: apples, corn, soybeans, and peppers. The adults use their specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin of the fruit or vegetable that they are eating, sucking out its juices and damaging the fruit or vegetable in the process.

Stink bugs are also a concern for homeowners because of the foul smelling liquid that they release from special glands that are located just underneath their thorax. The odor is released when these insects are crushed or when they are trying to defend themselves. Inside of a home this odor can become quite overpowering.

Why are stink bugs in my home?

In the spring and summer months stink bugs are found living outside. When the weather begins to cool in the late fall large numbers of stink bugs will gather together on the sunny side of homes and other buildings to stay warm. As they move up the walls they enter inside through small cracks and crevices that they come across. Once inside, they will move throughout your home until they find their way behind walls, inside crawl spaces, and underneath floors where they will remain until the weather warms up in the spring.

How do you get rid of stink bugs?

Stink bugs can enter into homes in very large numbers and move to the hard to reach areas of your home making finding and eliminating all of them a very tricky task. At Spencer Pest Services we can get rid of stink bugs from your property through one of our year-round residential pest control packages. Our pest control professionals have the experience and training needed to control stink bugs in your home and prevent future problems with them. Contact us today for more information about our stink bug control services.

Stink bug prevention tips

Along with putting in place a year-round pest control program, there are several things you can do in and around your home to prevent problems with stink bugs.
Prevention tips include:

  • Seal gaps found in the foundation and exterior walls of your home and caulk gaps found around windows and doors.
  • Install door sweeps on all outside doors.
  • Make sure that all vents leading into your home have tight fitting covers over them.
  • Seal openings that are found around pipes, wires, and other utilities entering into your house.
  • Make sure that window and door screens are intact; and if they are not, they should be repaired or replaced.

Helpful Stink Bug Articles

How To Keep Stink Bugs Out Of Greenville Homes