The temperatures are beginning to dip and you have probably seen Stink Bugs crawling on your screens or fluttering around your house. You can’t crush them because they secrete a musty scent when frightened, a defensive technique that has earned them their name—Stink Bugs.
They are looking to overwinter in your South Jersey home. They will enter your home during the fall and may remain active within the home throughout the winter. They will certainly become active again in the spring as the weather warms up and they begin to exit your home.
Stink Bugs are not harmful to humans. The primary issue with Stink Bugs is that they can invade your home in large numbers and become very frustrating when they are active. When a Stink Bug finds a site suitable for overwintering it releases a chemical called an aggregation pheromone. This is a scent that attracts other Stink Bugs to the area and not the same chemical that causes them to stink.
Homeowners can discourage the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug from entering the home by sealing as many entryways as possible. Cracks around doors and windows can be sealed with caulk. Vents in attics and crawl spaces can be protected with a screen. Any torn or damaged window screens should also be repaired. Weather stripping can help seal gaps under exterior doors.
Sealing up your home on your own may certainly help to reduce the numbers of Stink Bugs you see throughout the year, but it is not a guaranteed way to keep them out. Once Stink Bugs have invaded your home or office there isn’t much that can be done to get rid of them aside from removing them as you see them and waiting for them to leave on their own.
While overwintering, they do not feed or reproduce. However, they will become active again on a warm winter day or in the spring. When the spring arrives, they disperse from the home and will not return until the next fall.
You may find it less frustrating to have a professional treat your home to prevent the insects from invading. The most effective Stink Bug treatment is to prevent them from entering your home with AB-Con’s Stink Bug Preventative Service.
Our plan consists of two intensive treatments. This service takes place in the late summer or early fall and then again in the spring. This service focuses on chemical applications to the exterior of the structure and prevents the Stink Bugs from taking up residence in your home for the winter.
If you need help reducing your Stink Bug invasion, give us a call!
AB-Con Termite and Pest Control
Serving South Jersey for over 40 years
Camden County, Burlington County and Gloucester County
For more information, call us at (856) 662-6195 or (609) 267-0560 Or Click Here!
What some of our customers have to say:
“I use AB-Con for my stink bug problem. From the initial call to Anne Marie, who was extremely professional, to the customer service I received from Monette to the pesticide application by Ed with his helpful suggestions, I was truly happy with AB-Con and the results of the spraying. AB-Con and their employees are professional and dependable. I would refer them to everyone, including my own mother.”
Brenda McLaverty, Cinnaminson, NJ
“We wanted you to know that we are very happy with the chemical you are using to control the stink bugs. It is really working in our heavily wooded area. We tell everyone we talk to that is still having a problem with stink bugs that they should call AB-Con.”
Carol Myles, Moorestown, NJ