Surviving Stink Bug Season

Expert Tips for Avoiding a Smelly Pest


With the cooler weather of autumn quickly approaching, brown marmorated stink bugs are going to make their annual appearance throughout the Northeastern United States. The Rentokil family of pest control companies says act now to stink bug-proof your properties, because otherwise these pests are going to be hard to control.

Brown marmorated stink bugs have become a common household pest since they were first identified in Allentown, Penn. in September 2001. They have since invaded 41 states coast-to-coast and two Canadian provinces. An interactive map showing where these stink bugs have been detected and are more than a nuisance in the United States can be seen at Stop BMSB.

“Stink bugs often enter homes and other structures this time of year to seek shelter in preparation for the upcoming winter weather,” said Chad Gore, PhD, entomologist for Rentokil. “More damaging to agriculture, stink bugs do not pose a safety or property risk to homeowners. However, they tend to invade homes in high numbers and can become a nuisance once inside.”

Brown marmorated stink bugs are easy to spot. Taking a cue from their name, stink bugs release a foul smelling odor when threatened.

Prevention tips include:
Seal cracks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, ceiling fans and light switches.
Change outdoor lighting to yellow bulbs Repair damaged window screens and install door sweeps on exterior doors.
Keep damper shut on chimney when not in use.
Trim vegetation around house.

If brown marmorated stink bugs do find their way into the home, a vacuum can be used to dispose of the smelly pests. However, a licensed pest professional can be contacted if a more serious infestation is suspected.

A similar smelly pest, the Kudzu bug, also appears at this time moving up from Georgia along the east coast since its introduction to the U.S. in 2009. Property owners in the mid-Atlantic can be relieved to know that according to the Maryland Kudzu Bug Survey this past April, signs point to this pest not surviving the harsh winter of 2013-14.

The Rentokil family of pest control companies include Ehrlich Pest Control, http://www.jcehrlich.com/index.html; Western Exterminator, http://www.westernexterminator.com/; and, Presto-X Pest Control, http://www.prestox.com/index.html.

American Apartment Owners Association offers discounts on products and services for all your property management needs. Find out more at www.joinaaoa.org.