As the seasons change, you might start noticing an influx of unwelcome guests in your home: stink bugs. These pests are not only a nuisance but can also emit an unpleasant odor when threatened or squashed. Understanding why these insects are drawn to your house and learning effective ways to eliminate them can help you maintain a pest-free environment.

The Attraction: Why Stink Bugs Invade Homes

Seasonal Changes

Stink bugs typically invade homes during the fall as they seek shelter from the dropping temperatures. They are looking for warm places to overwinter, and your cozy home provides the perfect refuge.

Light Sources

Like many insects, stink bugs are attracted to light. Outdoor lighting, especially around windows and doors, can draw them closer to your home. Once near these entry points, they can easily find their way inside.

Food Sources

Stink bugs feed on fruits, vegetables, and plants. If you have a garden or fruit trees close to your home, these food sources can attract stink bugs. Additionally, indoor plants can also be a lure for these pests once they are inside.

Shelter

Cracks in walls, gaps around windows and doors, vents, and chimneys provide easy access points for stink bugs looking for shelter. They tend to congregate in attics, crawl spaces, and other undisturbed areas within your home.

How To Get Rid of Stink Bugs

Prevention First: Seal Entry Points

The most effective way to keep stink bugs out is by preventing them from entering in the first place:

• Seal Cracks: Inspect your home's exterior for any cracks or gaps and seal them with caulk.
• Install Screens: Ensure that all windows and vents have intact screens.
• Use Weather Stripping: Apply weather stripping around doors and windows to close any gaps.
• Check Attic Vents: Make sure attic vents are properly screened.

Reduce Attractants

Minimize factors that attract stink bugs:

• Turn Off Lights: Reduce outdoor lighting at night or use yellow bulbs that are less attractive to insects.
• Manage Plants: Keep garden plants away from the immediate perimeter of your house.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Dispose of fallen fruits promptly and keep indoor plants healthy without overwatering.

Natural Repellents

Use natural repellents as a deterrent:

• Essential Oils: Spray essential oils like mint or neem oil around entry points; these scents repel stink bugs.
• Garlic Spray: Create a garlic spray solution by mixing crushed garlic with water and spraying it around potential entry points.

Physical Removal

If you already have stink bugs inside:

• Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a disposable bag to remove stink bugs without squashing them (to avoid the odor).
• Trap Method: Set up DIY traps using light sources over soapy water; the light attracts the bugs which then drown in the water.

Professional Help

For severe infestations consider hiring pest control professionals who can apply insecticides safely and effectively manage large populations of stink bugs within your home. Environmental Pest Control provides stink bug protection on our year round pest prevention plan. Call today for a free over the phone quote.

Conclusion

Understanding why stink bugs are attracted to your house is crucial in developing an effective strategy for keeping them at bay. By sealing entry points, reducing attractants, using natural repellents, physically removing existing pests, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can maintain a comfortable living environment free from these odorous invaders. Taking proactive measures will not only address current infestations but also prevent future ones from occurring.