Everything You Need To Know About Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Have you ever found a stink bug in or around your home or business? These pests don’t pose too much of a threat, but can be a real nuisance to have around your home or business.

Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSBs) are native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. They were unintentionally introduced into the United States, with the first specimen being collected in Pennsylvania in 1998. As these critters become more common during the fall season, you’ll want to know more about them and what to do about getting rid of them. 

The pest experts at Lookout Pest Control have extensive experience with exterminating stink bugs. We’re sharing everything you need to know about these pests, and what you should do if you encounter them.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs in the Southeastern United States

This is what you can expect from stink bugs in the area:

• Attracted to the south side of structures on warm days in search of protected and overwintering sites.
• Large, oval, or shield-shaped insects found throughout the region (and the rest of the United States)
• They get their common name from the odor of the chemical that they produce in glands on their abdomen. 
• Primarily cropping pests, meaning they love to infest plants and fruits. 
• Tend to become a nuisance for homeowners in the fall when they enter homes looking for warm shelter. 

Where Can Stink Bugs Be Found?

Stink bugs can be found in cracks under or behind baseboards, around window and door trim, and around exhaust fans or lights in ceilings. They can also often be found on the outsides of buildings, in leaf litter and vegetation. In the wild, adult stink bugs spend the winter months in cracks or under the peeling bark of older or dead trees. In early autumn, they look for wintering sites.

When brown stink bugs enter your home, they congregate near doors, windows, and other entry points. They seek out narrow spaces to hide, preferring high and cool locations.

Are Stink Bugs Dangerous?

While the insects are not dangerous, they are noisy and can leave an unwanted pungent smell. Additionally, stink bugs do not bite or sting and are not harmful to humans or pets.

Although stink bugs will not reproduce or cause damage inside structures, they will emit a pungent odor when crushed or threatened by humans and can stain surfaces. Once stink bugs find their way indoors, they stage a slow-motion home invasion all winter long. They’re intrepid explorers, lumbering along any surface like countertops, furniture, etc. It has been known that these pests enter homes in large numbers.

Over the last five years, the brown marmorated stink bug has caused hazelnut production to drop by one-third. This is the biggest threat stink bugs pose. If you own a farm or backyard garden, be sure to rid your property of these pests. If you have a stink bug problem on your property, contact your local pest company for help.

How to Prevent Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

As summer comes to an end and temperatures begin to drop it’s best to begin preparing for the winter months. Consider pest-proofing your home, both inside and out, to prevent BMSBs and other pests from entering your home this fall. For those wondering how to prevent stink bugs, here are ten simple steps that homeowners can take:

1. Seal off entry points.
2. Replace and repair damaged or broken screens, doors, and windows.
3. Turn off the lights.
4. Reduce moisture leaks or build up.
5. Eliminate food sources.
6. Ventilate to eliminate harborage points.
7. Check belongings before bringing them inside.
8. Check up with landscaping.
9. Don’t squish – relocate.
10. Use a vacuum to remove.

Need to Get Rid of Stink Bugs?

We combine the highest quality work with the best customer service available in the industry. Our team has been protecting residential properties for nearly three decades with our residential home pest control services.

If you’re dealing with stink bugs and have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out. Reach out to Lookout Pest Control today and speak with one of our friendly experts. businesses in our region for decades, specializing in pest control and we would be happy to assist! Call us for a free estimate on your household pest control needs.