Stink Bugs Are Emerging Earlier in New Jersey

A few years ago, stink bugs were all over the news. They were an invasive species that was relatively new to our area and because of that got a lot of press. As the years went by the amount of press coverage dwindled, but that might change this year. There is reason to believe that stink bugs are going to be a nuisance much earlier in the year than we previously thought. With prime stink bug season right around the corner there are some things you should know about these smelly invaders.

In the fall, stink bugs begin looking for warm, protected places to spend the winter. They often enter homes at this time of year through cracks, gaps around windows and doors, vents, and other openings. When a stink bug finds a warm, safe spot, it releases a chemical signal called an aggregation pheromone that attracts other stink bugs to the same location. This means, once one stink bug gets into your home, it is only a matter of time before more arrive.

Because of their ability to attract more of their kind into your home, prevention is key when it comes to stink bugs. There are several steps you can take both inside and outside of your home that will make your house less inviting. Outside, turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting and use yellow bulbs to reduce attraction. Trimming landscaping can make it more difficult for stink bugs to find a way inside. As the weather gets cooler and you want to have fires, make sure you store firewood away from the home. In addition, when getting firewood, make sure to inspect it for stink bugs and other pests before it comes inside.

It is important to block common entry points into your home. You can do this by sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, siding, and utility openings with caulk. Another important way to keep stink bugs out is repair or replace damaged screens and weather-stripping. Installing door sweeps can also be a great first line of defense. An added bonus of taking these steps is they also keep out many other unwanted pests like spiders, ants, and even mice.

If a stink bug has already made it into your home, you want to remove it quickly as the smell of stink bugs can linger for hours. It is important to avoid crushing them, as this triggers the foul scent they’re known for, which comes from glands on the sides of their bodies. Most people agree that the greatest tool to get rid of a stink bug is a vacuum (but be sure to immediately discard the vacuum bag to avoid the smell lingering in the vacuum and your home).

To stop a stink bug infestation before it gets out of hand it is important to work with the right company. You want to work with a company like Cowleys Pest Service. We are experts in both prevention and eradication and can inspect your home, identify entry points, and help keep stink bugs out for the season.