Stink Bug Pest Control

Stink bugs belong to the order Hemiptera and family Pentatomidae, recognized for emitting a foul odor when disturbed. North America hosts over 260 species, including the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), originally from Asia and unintentionally introduced in the 1990s in Pennsylvania. Additional species like Acrosternum hilrae and Euschistus servus arrived in 2012, each distinguished by their brown hues. The nymph stage of these bugs is marked by vibrant yellow and red colors that fade to off-white with maturity.

Appearance

Adult stink bugs are shield-shaped, typically measuring between fourteen to nineteen millimeters in length and width. Brown marmorated stink bugs vary in shades of brown with dark and light bands across their bodies and antennae. Their distinguishing features include small, coppery-blue markings on the head and pronotum. Other species exhibit brownish-yellow hues with bordered orange-yellow lines.

Habitat

Stink bugs favor temperatures above 21°C and seek shelter in attics or within walls during winter. They become active in summer and spring, often infiltrating homes through cracks and openings in September and October. Indoors, they gather on walls and windows, posing a nuisance due to their size and unpleasant odor.

Diet

Stink bugs are herbivorous, feeding on a wide range of plants, fruits, vegetables, and trees including legumes, peppers, tomatoes, corn, citrus fruits, elm, oak, berries, peaches, and apples.

Reproduction

Stink bugs undergo metamorphosis from eggs to nymphs before reaching adulthood. Females lay hundreds of eggs in mid to late June on plant stems or leaves. Nymphs progress through five stages over approximately five weeks, with adults living up to eight months. Depending on environmental conditions, stink bugs can produce up to four generations annually.

Detecting Infestations

Homeowners often notice stink bugs in large numbers during fall, especially on sun-exposed sides of houses where they gather for warmth. Warmer winter days may also reveal their presence indoors as they congregate on walls. Farmers detect infestations through crop damage caused by feeding.

Safety and Control

Preventing stink bug infestations involves sealing cracks and replacing damaged window screens to restrict entry. Managing outdoor vegetation can also deter these pests from nesting near homes. Professional services, such as those offered by Get Em Out Wildlife Control, specialize in humane and effective eradication methods. These experts employ appropriate chemical interventions and use vacuuming to remove stink bugs from homes, advising homeowners on preventive measures to maintain pest-free environments.