As fall comes to Michigan, people are not only enjoying the beautiful leaves, but they are also getting ready for the yearly stink bug invasion. It is common for these bugs, especially the brown marmorated stink bug, to hide inside when it gets cold outside.
Their unique smell and tendency to gather in big groups can make them unsettling, even if they don’t do any direct harm. If you find one of these animals in your home, here’s what you need to know to keep them out, identify them, and get rid of them.
Understanding Stink Bugs
The shield-shaped bodies and dark color of stink bugs make them easy to spot. The longest one is about ½ inch, and the others look a little messy. Their most noticeable trait, though, is that they can smell bad when they are scared or squished, which is how they got their name.
Stink bugs usually eat plants, but they don’t pose much of a threat to people or pets. But if you don’t take care of them properly, their invasion can cause pain and bad smells.
Why Do They Invade Homes?
Smelly bugs look for warm places to hide during the colder months as fall comes. Your home is great, especially the rooms that get lots of sun, like the attics, basements, and windows. Taking steps to keep stink bugs out is very important because they are drawn to light and warmth.
Prevention Tips
- Seal Entry Points: The first thing you can do to keep stink bugs out is to block off any possible entry spots. Look at the doors, windows, and any cracks in the roof. Fill in any holes with caulk, and make sure the window screens are still in good shape.
- Turn Off Outdoor Lights: Stink bugs like being near light. If you want to keep them away, you could use yellow lights for outdoor lighting. Also, make sure that outdoor lights are off when they’re not needed.
- Landscaping: Clean up your yard. Cut back plants that are getting too big, and get rid of things like leaves and dead plants that stink bugs can hide in. They are less likely to come to a yard that is well taken care of.
- Natural Repellents: A few essential oils, like peppermint and lemon, can naturally keep people away. In a spray bottle, mix a few drops with water and use it around windows and doors.
- Monitor Indoors: Watch out for stink bugs in your house. If you find an invasion early, you can take care of it before it gets too bad.
What to Do if You Spot a Stink Bug
If you find a stink bug in your home, here are some good things you can do:
- Stay Calm: Remember not to worry. Since stink bugs aren’t dangerous, you should just keep your cool.
- Avoid Crushing Them: If you kill a stink bug, it will give off a strong smell that can stay in your home for a long time. To catch it, try to be gentle.
- Capture and Release: Catch the stink bug in a jar or cup. Put a piece of paper under it to hide the hole, then let it go outside and away from your house.
- Vacuuming:When there are a lot of stink bugs around, a vacuum cleaner can help get rid of them. Use a vacuum with a bag to hold them, and don’t forget to empty the bag right away so that smells don’t stick around.
- Diatomaceous Earth: Putting food-grade diatomaceous earth in places where stink bugs like to hang out can help get rid of them. This natural poison kills bugs by making them thirsty, and it doesn’t hurt people or pets.
- Consult Pest Control: If you have a big problem with pests, you might want to call a professional pest control service. They can give specific solutions that will get rid of the trouble for good.
Conclusion
Even though stink bugs may be an unavoidable part of fall in Michigan, you can lessen the damage they do to your house by being proactive. You can keep these smelly invaders out of your home by sealing off entry spots, using natural repellents, and being aware of how to handle encounters. Enjoy the beauty of fall without stink bugs getting in the way.