Stink bugs are harmless pests; they do not sting, bite or cause structural damage. Although this is true, stink bugs are an annoyance to many homeowners in Northern Virginia because of the smell they omit when they feel threatened or hurt. If you have a stink bug problem, give us a call at Better Termite and Pest Control and we can help resolve your stink-related issues.
Stink bugs hang out on plants outside of homes for the most part but, they like to find shelter inside when cold weather arrives. This is why it is helpful to have pest control come before the winter months to spray the perimeter of your home and reduce the chances of stink bugs paying your home a visit.
Stink bugs are long insects and have shades of brown on the upper and lower parts of their body. Adult stink bugs make an appearance in late April to mid-May and then mate and lay eggs from late May through August. When the eggs hatch, the nymphs go through five molting stages. The adults then look for places to take shelter for the winter, which is a lot of times, residential homes.
While stink bugs are harmless to humans, they are quite the opposite for your gardens. Stink bugs like to feed on a variety of fruits, crops and “…many ornamental plants and weeds.” A lot of times, stink bugs distort the growing fruit so much that it is unmarketable as a “fresh product.” If you are a farmer or just a homeowner who likes to grow their own fresh produce, stink bugs are a threat to your greenery.
As mentioned before, stink bugs do not bite or sting but, their odor could produce allergic reactions to those sensitive to the odor. Along with this, there is a small amount of the population that receives dermatitis if their skin is exposed by contact with the stink bug. Overall, the worst part about stink bugs is their stench.
With winter approaching fast, it may be a good idea to schedule a perimeter spray for your home. We can help make sure that stink bugs do not visit your home this fall. Give Better Termite and Pest Control a call so we can help today!
Have you ever smelled a stink bug?
