Stink Bugs
In a little over two decades, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug has become the most common stink bug in the Pacific Northwest. Where did they come from? And what are they capable of?
Stink Bug Description
Size
Stink bugs, on average, will measure to approximately one-half inch in length.
Color
Stink bugs are typically different shades of gray or brown, but are also notable in color and appearance for having darker spots across their bodies.
SHAPE
One notable detail about the way stink bugs look is their shape. A view of the top of a stink bug showcases the shield-like shape of their bodies, giving them a very distinct appearance from other insects in the Pacific Northwest.
What are stink bugs?
The stink bug is an invasive pest that is suspected to have traveled to the United States via shipping containers or by other trans-Pacific means as they originate from Eastern Asian countries. Their name is derived from the almost citronella-like odor they released when crushed. Stink bugs are threats to agricultural plants. Their status as a new species to the United States and their ability to fly makes them difficult to control without professional assistance.
How did I get stink bugs?
Stink bugs are attracted to gardens, fruit trees, and like many other insects, light. These are just some of the elements that are bringing stink bugs to your property. As the weather gets colder in the late-summer to early-fall months, the insects will start looking for warmer shelter, and your home will naturally become a desirable nesting destination. If your doors or windows are poorly sealed, or if there are other means of entry that the bugs can slip through, e.g., open weep holes under windows, then they will likely gain access.
What do stink bugs eat?
Their diet will vary, depending on whether or not they are inside or outside the home. Outside the home, stink bugs will eat agricultural fruits and vegetables like apples, berries, soybeans, and the leaves of many other plants. The damage they cause to these crops is largely in appearance only, but their penetration of the skin of certain fruits, for example, then allow others pests to burrow inside the fruit, making it unfit for sale or consumption.
Inside the home, if stink bugs aren’t able to find things like fruit, they will feed on the leaves of many common house plants, causing damage in appearance and health.
Where are the stink bugs coming from?
Odds are, the weather is getting cooler and the colony is searching for a warm place to spend the winter. Having a professional review of your home for the common entry points as well as the more unusual openings can help you feel more confident that treating for a stink bug infestation will have a greater long-term effect.
Still not sure if you’re looking at a stink bug?
Stink Bug Tips
Are STINK BUGS Harmful?
Stink bugs are not harmful to people.
Stink bugs do not pose physical harm, though their odor can be extremely unpleasant if they are crushed, so avoid doing so indoors. (Or, better yet, avoid crushing them altogether — a vacuum can work great in capturing the critters!)
Will stink bugs harm my garden or plants?
Though stink bugs do not pose any physical threat to humans or pets, the stink bug can be a major concern for gardeners, farmers, or any sort of agricultural plant lovers. For instance, According to the Oxford Academic Journal of Integrated Pest Management, the stink bug caused what was described as “$37 million in economic damages” to U.S. apple crops in 2010 alone! That’s certainly cause for concern.
Are STINK BUGS SEASONAL?
Early spring stink bugs begin to become more active.
In Portland and Vancouver metro area, many homeowners observe a consistent seasonal pattern with stink bug activity. Stink bugs normally fly to the home from surrounding areas in the early fall, usually beginning in the month of October. The insects then overwinter in the cracks and crevices of the home until the following spring. Stink bugs emerge from their winter hiding places and become a nuisance in and around the home in March, April, and sometimes even into May.
can i treat STINK BUGS on my own?
Stink bugs are difficult to control using DIY methods.
Because stink bugs are flying insects, they can be extremely difficult to control using over-the-counter products. Professional stink bug control is most effective when large numbers of stink bugs can be seen on the outside of the home or when you are finding them inside your home. We have found that the most effective solution for stink bug control is to use a professional extermination solution.
Stink bug extermination with real results
Why should I call professional pest control?
The truth about Brown Marmorated Stink Bug control is that total stink bug extermination may not always be a realistic endeavor because stink bugs are flying insects and they don’t respond to pesticide the same way other insects do. That being said, most of our customers report seeing a big difference after receiving a single professional treatment.
Prevent stink bugs in your home
Since completely eradicating stink bugs and many other flying insects isn’t a realistic endeavor, we suggest you focus on how to best keep stink bugs out of the house. This means paying close attention to those areas around your house where the stink bugs were able to gain access, and ensuring that your home’s exterior stays in sound condition.
Additionally, we recommend regular pest control treatment to keep stink bugs and other infestations at bay. The majority of our new customers choose our Home Protection Plan, because it includes quarterly, year-round treatment for the pests that are giving you grief. It’s great for warding off seasonal infestations because it targets them during their seasonal fall and spring migration at the home.
Early intervention is crucial for effective stink bug extermination
When stink bugs are first spotted in or around a home, it’s a clear indication fall has arrived or is just around the corner. Stink bugs are seasonal invaders and fly in to overwinter inside the cracks and crevices of a structure. Stink bugs tend to follow the same flight pattern from year to year and can get progressively worse if left untreated.
Stink Bug Treatment
1
INSPECT
We’ve treated homes all over the Portland, Vancouver, and Camas areas for stink bugs. We use our knowledge and expertise to search in areas around your home where stink bugs are most likely to gain access, so we can identify their source and treat them accordingly.
2
Apply products
Stink bug control takes time and persistence, and while there are products that can be used in treating their infestations, it’s typically a combination of treatment and removal — particularly when their population is at its peak, that is most effective.
3
ONGOING OBSERVATION
The best pest control simply must include long-term solutions to prevent further infestations, damage to your home, and stress for you and your loved ones. Aspen Pest Control’s commitment to the community includes not only the best in pest control, but the value of having true peace of mind. We know how busy life can be, so our goal is to give you one less thing to worry about, and just a little more time to focus on the things and people that you love.
Secure your home from stink bugs
100% Satisfaction guaranteed
We’re very serious when we say that we want your to be completely satisfied with our service. We’d love to help you, and we’d be happy to provide you with a free phone consultation or visit your home to give you a free quote.
Call Aspen Pest Control today to get rid of your stink bug problem.
Talk with an expert pest control technician
Vancouver Office:
12104 NE 95th St.
Vancouver, WA 98682
Portland Office:
8305 SE Monterey Ave
Suite 220 Q
Happy Valley, OR 97086
Mailing Address:
19215 SE 34th St
Suite #106-155
Camas, WA 98607
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