Although stink bugs do not pose a health risk to humans, their presence alone can be unsightly, annoying, and a potentially odoriferous inconvenience for homeowners. Even though these insects do not reproduce inside structures such as houses, they can cause concern when they become active and conspicuous as temperatures steadily increase.

What Are Stink Bugs?

Adult stink bugs are most active from spring as they emerge from their overwintering spots until late fall, when they seek shelter from the cold. Some stink bugs will be quite visible, but many more will manage to hide in attics, crawlspaces or other parts of the house.

Homeowners will see these pests hanging on curtains, lampshades, window and television screens, on crown molding and baseboards, and other objects inside homes.

Stink bugs are approximately three-quarters of an inch and brown, gray or dark green in color and are shaped like a shield. The infamous stink glands are located on the underside of the thorax, between the first and second pair of legs.

What Is That Smell?

The main problem for California homeowners who encounter this slow-moving, armored-looking pest is the smell. When handled or disturbed, stink bugs can secrete a bad-smelling, bad-tasting fluid from pores on the sides of their bodies. This secretion is meant to be protection from predators.

Preventing Stink Bugs

Like other invasive species, stink bugs are difficult insects to control once they infest a structure. The best way to keep stink bugs from entering your home is to exclude them from gaining access in the first place.

• Locate openings where the insects can gain access, such as cracks around windows, doors, screens, utility pipes, window air conditioners, vents, siding, and underneath fascia boards. Seal these entry points with good quality silicone, silicone-latex caulk, or foam sealant.
  
• Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced. Install weather stripping around the edges of doorframes. Adjust or install tight-fitting sweeps or thresholds at the bottom of exterior doors.
  
• Fill gaps on the edges of window air conditioner units and cover with screen material if necessary. Prevent entry into attics by putting window screening inside gable vents.
  
• If stink bugs have already entered a home or building, a vacuum cleaner can aid in the removal of live or dead stink bugs. It's important to dispose of the bag quickly to avoid the lingering smell of the stink bugs.
  
• Stink bugs are naturally attracted to lights. They will often fly around light posts in large numbers at night; therefore, turn off unnecessary lights. When entering or exiting a home, avoid inviting the bugs in by keeping exterior lights on away from the entrance and keeping interior lights off near the entrance. Consider turning off or relocating exterior lights around open (screened) windows to prevent the very distracting noises when they fly around the lights.

Pest Control from Clark Pest Control

Call California’s trusted, friendly pest control expert at 800/WE-NEED-YOU or send an e-mail at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to have a licensed professional inspect your home and assess your pest control needs.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for help keeping unwanted pests out of your home and yard.