Maybe your husband is not the cause of “that horrendous smell” after all! Stink bugs storm inside homes during the cooler months of the year searching for warmth, food, and comfort. They bring with them a smelly reputation that could very well be the stench that you smell!
Stink bugs are not dangerous nor do they pose any risk to homeowners. They do become a smelly nuisance around the home, however, and getting them out can become a huge headache if you do not quickly respond to their presence.
Stink Bug Control Advice
Like other pests, stink bugs enter the home in large numbers, coming in through cracks, window seals, and other non-conspicuous places. All that stink under one roof can take its toll quickly. The following 10 tips ensure stink bug problems stop before they have time to start.
1- Seal Off Entry Points
Inspect the outside of the house searching for potential entry points into the home. Siding and utility pipes, behind chimneys, and around the foundation of the home are common hiding spots for many pests, including stink bugs. Seal the cracks and holes with a silicone or latex caulk.
2- Repair & Replace
Stink bugs enter the home through small openings that may not seem possible to fit through, but they can! Repair or replace any windows, screens, doors, or other fixtures if you notice ripped or torn weathershripping or other damages.
3- Lights Out
Stink bugs are attracted to lights. Shut off outdoor lighting or ensure that it’s kept to a minimum. Keep window blinds shut during the evenings and do not keep porch lights turned on.
4- Reduce Moisture
Eliminating moisture spots around the home prevents stink bugs as well as cockroaches and other pest infestations. Be sure to check outside and inside the home, paying close attention to pipe and drain areas.
5- Ventilate the Home
Properly ventilated homes eliminate harborage points. A dehumidifier works well in improperly ventilated areas of the house like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
6- Eliminate Food Sources
Stink bugs will crawl inside containers, bags, or packages if it’s been open already. They also love crumbs left on countertops and on tables. Wipe down all fixtures after use and sweep the floor to eliminate crumbs.
7- Landscaping Matters
Keep landscaping well-maintained to reduce the risk of pests at your home. Keep firewood and tree branches a minimum of 20-feet away from the house and at least five inches off the ground.
8- Check Your Belongings
Inspect any boxes or bags brought into the house, such as holiday decor from the garage or grocery bags from the supermarket. Bugs tend to travel on belongings, giving them free rein inside your home.
9- Don’t Squish
When you see a stink bug, think twice before squishing it. When the stink bug is crushed, it releases a foul-smelling, bad-tasting odor from the side of its body. How else would a bug earn such a name -and stellar odoriferous reputation?
10- Vacuum the Floors
A clean floor keeps the home healthy. Vacuum carpets to remove stink bugs that have entered the home. Dispose of the bag immediately to prevent the odor from seeping out into the home.
You can prevent stink bugs before they become a problem. Southern Pride Pest Control can help. We are licensed pest professionals working for your best interests.
Southern Pride Pest Control is a full-service pest control company headquartered in Muscle Shoals, AL. SPPC specializes in pest control and prevention services including termite control, rodent control, bed bug control, ant control, mosquito control, and can even help with moisture control around your residence or commercial property. Established in 2010, Southern Pride Pest Control is a reliable source for quality pest-management solutions delivered by a team you can trust.
Call us today for any of your pest control needs.
