Say Goodbye to Stink Bugs in Your Home

You know that feeling when you step outside and take a breath of fresh air and it feels…crisp?

Welcome back to the fall season!

With fall comes many of the things we love! Cooler weather, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and the return of stink bugs invading our homes…

Wait, what?

If you live in Indiana, you probably know what we’re talking about! The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive species that originally came from Asia but can now be found throughout the United States. If you find these brown, stinky pests in your home, chances are you’re not alone! 

So, how do you get rid of them?

Join AAA Exterminating, a pest control company in Indianapolis, Indiana with more than 65 years of experience, as they detail where stink bugs can be found and how to give them the boot! 

So, first things first—what do stink bugs look like?

Stink Bug Appearance 

We get it, bugs are bugs, and chances are you don’t want to get too close for identification, so here’s how to tell if you have a stink bug problem!

Shape and Color

Stink bugs have a shield shape and are a mottled brown color—they almost look like tree bark!

Wings and Antennae 

We know, we know, as if insects weren’t already scary enough, let’s give em’ wings! Stink bugs have dark banding on their wings and they also have large antennae with light brown banding. 

Size and Legs 

These bugs have 6 legs and are about 11 to 18 millimeters in length—almost the size of a quarter! 

Do Stink Bugs Actually Stink?

Unfortunately, they weren’t given that name for nothing! 

Just like skunks, stink bugs emit a pungent, smelly odor when they feel threatened to try and ward off predators. They admit a musty odor from their abdomen, which has an herbal smell. If you find these pests in your home, gently sweep them up and try to avoid squishing them—you don’t want your home to smell! 

How Do Stink Bugs Get in My Home? Why in the Fall?

Just like bears and squirrels hibernate in the winter, so do stink bugs. When fall begins to bring chilly weather, stink bugs seek out warm homes to hunker down in. 

Stink bugs typically gain access into the home through external weaknesses, such as:

• Openings in chimneys
• Small exterior cracks
• Attic vents
• Holes in window screens
• Spaces in door frames 
• Foundation cracks

Once inside the home, stink bugs take shelter until the spring when they become active again!

Where Do Stink Bugs Live Inside of the Home?

As a pest control company in Indianapolis, Indiana, we’ve seen stink bugs in just about every crevice of a home that’s imaginable! 

Stink bugs typically look for unbothered areas in a home such as within walls, crawl spaces, attics, and under floorboards. They use these protected areas as a hideout until spring comes when they will try to make their way outside again. 

So the million-dollar question remains: How do you prevent stink bugs from getting into your home in the first place?

Stop the Stink Bug Invasion

Once a stink bug infestation is already underway, getting rid of them can be quite the challenge, which is why we like to say “the best defense is a good offense.” 

So let’s start with the basics—seal up your home!

Seal Your Home From Stink Bugs

To prevent stink bugs from making your home theirs, take the time to seal your home from external cracks and openings. 

This can include:

• Keeping doors and windows closed. If you do not wish to close doors and windows in nice weather, make sure they are fitted with holeless screens. 
• Caulk up external crevices and foundation cracks to prevent stink bugs from squeezing their way in!
• Make sure stink bugs aren’t hiding in any outdoor objects that you bring inside! Shake out clothes thoroughly that have been left outside and carefully examine fruit that you have picked. 

Okay, so you sealed your home a little too late…what can help you now?

Time to Call a Pest Control Company in Indianapolis, Indiana

You tried sealing up your home, buying bug spray, and the good ole’ capture and release method, but nothing seems to be working!! 

It’s time that you call AAA Exterminating, a pest control company in Indianapolis! The expert exterminators at AAA will examine your home and develop a strategic plan to keep the stink bugs at bay! 

For more information, call (317) 773-3797 and get help today!