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What’s the deal with stink bugs? Are stink bugs poisonous, dangerous, or likely to bite?
Before you can come up with a plan to get rid of these annoying little creatures, let’s learn more about what they do and how they could impact your living space!
Do Stink Bugs Bite or Sting?
First and foremost, are stink bugs harmful? No, they’re just a little bit stinky sometimes. Stink bugs do not bite or sting humans. They simply release a foul odor when they are crushed or feel threatened, which is where they get their name and why we advise not to squash them. They’re primarily plant feeders, using their mouthparts to suck juices from fruits, vegetables, or other plants.
Are Stink Bugs Harmful to Health?
They are non-toxic, and their secretions are not poisonous to humans. While some people may experience an allergic reaction to their secretions, such as skin irritation or respiratory issues, those reactions are typically mild. For the most part, stink bugs are just annoying and unpleasant to look at!
Now, if you’re a farmer, you could argue that stink bugs are extremely harmful as they can cause significant damage to the health of certain plants or crops, affecting the livelihood of farmers and agriculture suppliers.
How Stink Bugs Affect Your Home
When the weather begins to turn colder, they will start to seek shelter and warmth. Unfortunately, that can be inside of our homes. When this happens, it could result in a large, hard-to-manage infestation that could require a professional’s help. They usually enter through windows, doors, or other entry points in your home, making them a common nuisance during the fall or winter months. Once inside, they gravitate towards warm, secluded areas, including underneath the furniture or around light fixtures.
They’re also loud and erratic flyers, which could upset or annoy some people when they take flight inside your space. While stink bugs aren’t dangerous, they aren’t exactly welcome guests!
Protecting Your Home from Stink Bug Infestations
Unfortunately, stink bugs are a fact of life for many of us. Some ways to ensure they stay outside include:
- Sealing Entry Points: Stop stink bugs before they move inside! Inspect your windows, doors, and foundation for cracks or gaps that they could be using as an entry point. If you notice any holes, use caulk to seal them.
- Install Screens and Weather Stripping: Everyone likes a nice breeze every now and then! Screens and weather stripping on your doors and windows give you the option of letting the air in while keeping the bugs out.
- Use Exterior Lighting When Necessary: Stink bugs are attracted to light, so the less you use them, the fewer bugs there will be. If you can’t avoid using outside lights at night, replace the bulbs with yellow-tinted, insect-resistant bulbs.
- Remove Food Sources: Growing your own fruit is great, but if it hits the ground, remove it quickly! Disposing of overripe fruit, fallen leaves, or other plant debris will eliminate a stink bug’s food source and require them to move elsewhere.
- Try Eco-Friendly Repellents: Use sprays made with garlic or peppermint oil to repel stink bugs and keep them away from your home.
Keep yourself protected from infestations by performing regular home pest inspections and enlisting the help of a professional for home pest control solutions when they become unmanageable to handle on your own.
Call the Professionals for Stink Bug Control
If stink bugs are taking over your home and you’re tired of ducking to avoid their erratic flying, give Mosquito® Joe a call! Our stink bug pest control can help get to the root of the problem and evict those stinky pests for good!
Plus, all of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, which means you can trust that we will get the job done right!
Let your local Mosquito Joe give you peace of mind and a stink-bug-less home. Request a free estimate today!
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
