An Exterminators' View On Stink Bugs

Hi Friends! Having a background as professional exterminator for a nationally known company, I feel uniquely qualified to address the subject of Stink Bugs. I'd like to give you some basic facts about this new insect, as well as some tips on controlling them. Notice I said "controlling" not eliminating.  Here are some Stink Bug facts: 

Stink Bugs, like all other insects, will never be eliminated. And looking at the big picture, they're not really all that bad compared to things like hornets, yellow jackets, fleas, bedbugs, carpenter ants, etc. A bee sting can be very serious to those who are sensitive, sending them into anaphylactic shock.  The best a Stink Bug can do is make you turn up you nose!

So right off the bat here, let's get rid of the rumor that Stink Bugs bite, THEY DO NOT. Their defense mechanism is a chemical spray that well… stinks! That's it. I suppose if some of that chemical were to get in your eyes it could cause some minor irritation, but that's the extent of it.

These bugs are flat out ugly and look menacing, but they're totally harmless. They do fly and can startle you if they buzz by you ear, but it's the same with a hummingbird. You're not afraid of a hummingbird are you? So don't panic over a Stink Bug.

Now how do we go about controlling them?  Here are a couple more Stink Bug facts for you.  You can easily control Stink Bugs without having to hire a professional exterminator like myself to do it for you. Fact: Stink Bugs hate extreme temperatures. When it's hot, they head for the shade. When it's cold, they head for heat. And they love to feed on fruits and vegetables. That's the extent of a Stink Bugs' life right there.

Your house provides both heat and shade. It's a Stink Bugs Heaven! The best way to cast them out of Heaven is to prevent them from getting in. Take a good look around. Do your doors and windows seal properly? Are there holes or cracks which might allow them access? Install door sweeps (or keep them closed) and seal all the holes and cracks you can find. If one or two still finds a way in, swat it with something or suck it up with your vacuum cleaner.

Realistically, a few will still get in no matter how many precautions you take. That's life.
Outside the house, try to keep fruit and vegetable plants at a distance from the house. Look for shady areas where Stink Bugs could hide. This would include under decks, porches and railings, carports or almost anywhere. Treating these areas with a pesticide once every couple of weeks will help prevent them from congregating there. You will inevitably kill a few with this precaution, but trying to kill all of them is futile.

Bottom Line: When controlling Stink Bugs, a common-sense approach works best.