Getting Stink Bugs Out Of Your House – Ag Matters

You can't take the stink out of the stink bug. but you can at least take them out of the house. Cornell Cooperative Extension offers some tips on ridding your home of the nuisance.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB), were accidentally introduced into the U.S. from Asia during the mid 1990's. Since then, their populations have soared, resulting in some serious crop damage. However, in addition, stink bugs are attracted to the indoors this time of year because it's a safe winter hiding spot.

Stink bugs enter a home without a resident noticing. The warmth inside will draw them as the winter months approach. They will normally fly around the home, attracted to light sources. They can enter via several ways: moldings, window/door trim, ceiling vents, chimney, and eaves or around window-mounted air conditioners.

Although it's not a threat to human health, homeowners are often alarmed when they are in the house. The good news is that they can't reproduce indoors, don't cause structural damage, nor do they bite. However, they do produce that unpleasant "stink" when they are in large numbers or if crushed. So, what is there to do about them once in the house?

Small numbers can be vacuumed or removed, without crushing them of course. The best way to deal with them is to build them out and make sure they can't find a way inside. Check the perimeter of the house and seal any gaps with weather-proof sealant.

Get more tips in this factsheet at CCE's website..

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension