Why Do I Have Stink Bugs
There are a few common bugs that most people recognize. You can point out an ant and a fly; chances are you recognize spiders… And you probably have a working understanding of roaches. If only things were so simple! One bug we see more and more of in Florida is bringing trouble with it. Many Floridians haven’t seen them before. For whatever reason, there’s a bug in your home – It’s terrible at flying; it keeps slamming into things, and if you mess with it… Boy, do stink bugs stink!
But that shouldn’t surprise you. So what do you do now? Well, whatever you do, try not to smash or agitate it. For too long, your home and hands will smell like burning tires and old cilantro. So instead, read this article to figure out what to do about stink bugs.
What are Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are true bugs; they are insects with sucking mouth parts. They use their needle-like mouths for drinking fluids from plants. Florida’s native stink bug, Euthyrhynchus floridanus, is actually a predator. You’re not likely to encounter it inside.
The varieties of stink bugs you’re likely to see inside are the green and marmorated stink bugs. These are shield-shaped insects with wings and small, square-shaped heads. As the name suggests, the green stink bug is green, while the marmorated stink bug is a mottled brown. If you see a black stink bug with three orange dots on its back, that’s the predatory stinkbug we mentioned earlier. The dots are arranged like the radiation hazard symbol in a triangle.
Why Am I Seeing Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are most active in the late summer and early autumn. You might start to see more and more of them, especially compared to past years. They meet in large groups to mate and prepare for the winter. Here are the top three reasons why stink bugs appear at your house.
1) They Need Shelter
If you live up north, or we have another cold winter, you can expect to see stink bugs. They need an isolated and safe place to enter what’s known as diapause. This low-energy mode allows them to survive the winter without eating or drinking. It’s a lot like hibernation. They won’t go inside because a lack of food means they’ll starve, but they will seek safety from predators like birds.
2) You Leave Lights On
These insects fly towards bright lights no matter where they are. In open fields, they navigate by the light of the moon. Exterior lights will attract them to your home. Your interior lights will do the same when they’re at your home. You can get insect lights that don’t attract them the same way if this becomes a problem.
3) Your Home Has Entry Points
These can be hard to find! In the wild, stink bugs take shelter under the bark of fallen trees. Your home, especially if it’s made of wood, resembles a fallen tree to them. They will squeeze themselves into anything they can find—a little hole in a screen, the edge of a window, even under the door.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
If you see one of these vermin in your house, do not threaten it! They’re like tiny skunks. Instead, try to gently coax them onto a piece of toilet paper, throw it in the toilet, and give it a flush. It should be noted that marmorated stink bugs are invasive pest species. You can also vacuum them up, but your vacuum will smell for a while. So empty it after every bug.
Usually, you can handle these bugs on your own. But, if you feel like there are too many to handle, don’t worry! You can give us a call. We’ll help sell your home, treat it against these pests, and bring peace of mind back to your nights. On our website, you can learn more about pest-proofing your home.
