What You Ought To Know About Stink Bugs In Virginia

Although not all pests are dangerous to humans, that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own ways of disrupting our lives. That’s especially true for stink bugs which, if their name is any indication, can emit foul-smelling odors that can be very unpleasant. On top of this, they can be harmful to plants, as well.

That’s why you don’t want stink bugs invading your Virginia home. As such, you should know how to identify stink bugs and the proper techniques for stink bug prevention. After all, you don’t want them stinking up your home.

How To Identify Stink Bugs

Sometimes called “shield bugs” due to the plate on their backs, stink bugs are mottled brown pests that grow to be about ¾ of an inch in length. They have six thin legs, antennae, and are capable of flying. 
 
Stink bugs breed in the summer and mature into adults in the fall. Then, when the weather starts to turn, they enter into homes seeking shelter. Once they get inside, there’s no limit to where stink bugs may go. They are known to go into attics, behind walls, in crawl spaces, and just around the house in general.

What Threats Do Stink Bugs Pose?

While they do not pose any direct threats to humans (other than producing foul-smelling odors), stink bugs are agricultural pests which means they do pose threats to our plants. Whether it is fruits or vegetables growing in gardens or ornamental plants and flowers inside or outside of the house, these bugs will eat and damage them all. On top of this, they can invade in large numbers, so getting rid of an infestation can be very challenging. That is why, with stink bugs, prevention is key.

How To Prevent Stink Bugs

While it can be hard to keep stink bugs from invading your home, there are some measures that you can take to help limit your exposure to these pests. These include:

• Seal cracks in the foundation of your home.

• Seal cracks around window and door frames.

• Install door sweeps in exterior doors.

• Install screens in windows and exterior doors.

• Fix or replace any screens that have rips or tears in them.

• Repair holes along the roofline of your house.

• Cover vents and chimney openings with mesh covers.

• Replace outdoor light bulbs with LED lights. 

• Keep gardens and outdoor plants away from the exterior of your home.

If you are able to accomplish these tasks, you should be able to reduce your odds of having to deal with a stink bug infestation. Unfortunately, even if you do take all the proper precautions, there is still a chance that stink bugs could invade your home. In that case, don’t waste your time trying to get rid of them yourself. Instead, call the professionals at All Pest Control & Solutions.

For More Stink Bug Prevention And Control Tips

If you have questions about stink bug prevention, or if you are currently dealing with a stink bug infestation, do not delay. Get in contact with the trained pest professionals here at All Pest Control & Solutions right away.
 
At All Pest Control & Solutions, we have the required expertise and experience to take care of any stink bug infestation with which you are dealing. In addition to this, we will work with you to take the proper preventative measures to help prevent future infestations from occurring. Do not let stink bugs stink up your home. Give us a call today.