Stink Bugs

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs are not native to the U.S. and have emerged as a major pest in recent years.

Stink bugs enter structures in the late summer (September) to avoid the onset of cooler temperatures and remain in buildings until their natural food is once again available (June).

Stink bug activity can be reduced by as much as 90%-100% if treatments are made in early September. Treatments made later in the fall can still be effective but will become less and less effective for treatments later in the season.


WHERE DO STINK BUGS COME FROM?
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug was accidentally introduced into the United States from Asia sometime between 1996 and 1999 in Allentown PA. These insects are pests of agriculture and landscapes, feeding on a wide variety fruits and seeds and berries produced by trees and ornamental plants. In recent years they have become a major pest of homes & office buildings entering buildings in the fall and appearing indoors until they exit the following Summer. Their name comes from the odor emitted from scent glands when disturbed or crushed.

WHY ARE THEY GETTING INSIDE THE STRUCTURE?
Stink bugs enter structures to survive the cold winter months, seeking the warmth found within the insulated walls of the building. They enter through tiny gaps around windows, doors, vents, chimneys or the eves of the structure. During the fall months, stink bugs can be very active in the home as they try to settle down for the winter. Activity may continue through the cold winter months as the sun or heating system warms walls. Activity can peak again as temperatures warm in April, May and June, when they begin to once again go outdoors to feed on fruit producing plants. Stink bugs don’t reproduce indoors, they are simply using the wall voids of the structure as a resting place to insulate themselves from the cold winter temperatures.

HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT TO SEE THEM INDOORS?
Stink bugs are active in structures much longer than other over-wintering pests. Other over-wintering pests like lady bugs & boxelder bugs enter structures in the late fall, (October & November) and leave as soon as the temperatures begin to warm up again (March & April). Indoor activity of Brown Marmorated stink bugs on the other hand appears to revolve around the availability of their food source (seeds and fruits), entering structures earlier and exiting later than other over-wintering pests. The typical activity within structures can extend from early September until mid-June. Once indoors, their tendency to get into and under things can make them especially infuriating.

IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP REDUCE ACTIVITY?

Caulk any gaps around windows doors, vents & eves particularly in areas where stink bugs are seen often.

Screen louvered attic or soffit vents with window screening.

WHAT ALL 'ROUND PEST CONTROL CAN DO FOR YOU?
Chemical applications to the exterior of the structure can be helpful in reducing activity. Applications are most effective when applied in the month of September. Early treatment is essential. Effectiveness of treatments will begin to decline when treatments are made later in the fall months..

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TREATMENTS
Treatments made during the first two weeks of September will typically reduce indoor activity by 90% - 100%. The percent reduction will begin to decline for treatments that are made later in the fall.

The best way to control stink bugs in your home or business is to call the professionals at All 'Round Pest Control - for fastest service call any of our local offices:

All 'Round Pest Control Pennsburg: 215-679-8194

All 'Round Pest Control Quakertown: 215-538-9750

All 'Round Pest Control Souderton: 215-723-5667