Stink Bug Identification & Prevention

Stink bugs, officially known as the brown marmorated stink bug, belong to the scientific family of Pentatomidae. They are an invasive species, thought to have been accidentally brought to the United States from Asia in the 1990s. Stink bugs are easily recognizable for the shield shape of their body, their brown coloring with white-colored marmorated patterning, and dark bands along the sides of their abdomen. Stink bugs have six legs and a pair of antennae, and grow to be around 3/4 of an inch long.

A stink bug invasion, while not known to bring bacteria, pathogens, or illnesses to human properties, is problematic to encounter. Stink bugs release an unpleasant odor when threatened or handled, and this odor may quickly fill your property if you are dealing with a widespread infestation of this pest. The stink bug odor smells similar to cilantro, burnt tires, or skunk smell, and stink bug odors often attract more of this pest to your property.

It’s important to note that handling stink bugs directly may result in this unpleasant chemical on your hand, something that could cause an itchy allergic reaction.

A stink bug problem is often the result of your property having many of the items that stink bugs love within easy reach. Stink bugs are attracted to the warmth and shelter of human structures, and they may easily slip into cracks and gaps around your property in pursuit of safe shelter. This is especially common when the weather changes or outside conditions are unfavorable. Excess moisture around your property and left-out food, especially items like fruit, may also encourage stink bug infestation.

Stink bugs will typically be found alongside windows and doors, climbing the siding of your structure, or near gaps and cracks around your property. When inside, they gravitate toward sun-warmed areas such as windowsills, and if they remain outside, you may see stink bugs around leaf litter, overgrown vegetation, and areas with puddles of moisture or fallen fruit. The more stink bugs you find around your property, the higher your chances that their odor will keep encouraging infestation.

Get rid of stink bugs in Brighton the easy way by contacting First Choice Pest Control. Our knowledgeable service technicians will provide you with effective pest control for stink bugs that doesn’t waste any time in eradicating all traces of this pest. When you trust in us, you can rest assured that your stink bug infestation will be taken care of in no time.

Contact us today to learn more or request a free quote.

Prevent future stink bug problems by following our expert advice below:

• Clear outdoor areas of fallen fruit, debris piles, long grasses, and overgrown foliage to reduce attractive scents and potential stink bug hiding spots.
• Seal gaps and cracks around your property to keep stink bugs outside.
• Utilize window and door screens in addition to weatherstripping and door sweeps to ensure stink bugs are kept outside.
• Fix moisture issues and leaks both inside and outside of your property to reduce excess puddles of water.

Contact First Choice Pest Control today for more home pest control and commercial pest control information.