What Are Stink Bugs?
You know those little brown bugs that smell really bad when you step on them? Those lil guys are called Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs, and we’re going to learn a little bit about them today!
Stink bugs are invasive pests and are considered true bugs, a group of insects with piercing-sucking mouths. They hitched a ride to the US from Japan, Korea, and China and are now found in nearly every state in the country. They use their long, straw-like mouth to feed on fruits, seeds, stems, and the leaves of a lot of different plants, sucking out the juice and nutrients and damaging the crops with their saliva.
How to Identify Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (sometimes abbreviated to BMSB) have a very distinct look. They are shaped like a shield, almost as wide as they are long, with six legs coming out the sides. They’re usually a brown, mottled color about the size of a dime. They have alternating light and dark spots around their abdomen and at the ends of their antenna. They are pretty good fliers and have two pairs of wings that fold onto the top of their back when they land.
Why Do Stink Bugs Stink?
If you’ve ever wondered if stink bugs actually stink, the answer is a resounding YES! When these bugs feel threatened, they release a foul-smelling chemical from glands on their thorax. This stinky spray is their way of saying, “Back off!” to predators. The stink not only deters predators but also warns other stink bugs in the area about potential danger.
Stink bugs don’t just stink – they also taste really bad, which is another defense mechanism. Even though some predators will tolerate the terrible taste, some predators actually spit them out as soon as they get a taste of what they picked up. While they’re not poisonous to humans, we don’t recommend you try and find out for yourself.
What Do Stink Bugs Smell Like?
If you’ve never stepped on a stink bug, you’re probably wondering what they smell like. These little critters are infamous for their unique odor. Most people say they smell like a mix of cilantro and burnt rubber, which isn’t exactly a pleasant combination. Other people say they smell like skunks. Either way, it’s not gonna smell like roses!
What’s kinda crazy, though, is that the exact smell is different depending on which type of stink bug you’re dealing with, as well as the person – some people can’t smell anything when a stink bug lets off its odor. Lucky!
How Long Does Stink Bug Smell Last?
The smell of a stink bug can stick around for several hours, sometimes up to a day, especially if it gets on fabrics or porous surfaces. The worst thing you can do if you find a stink bug inside your home is squish it. When that happens, they let out the worst kind of smell that can make your house smell for days and actually attract MORE stink bugs!
How to Deal with Stink Bugs
So, if you’re not supposed to squish them, how do you get rid of stink bugs? Well, you’re in luck – we know just what to do! Call Fox Pest Control today, and we will take care of your stink bug infestation. We’re experts in stink bug control, and we want you to feel safe and comfortable in your home. Along with our treatments, we’ve got some tips to help you with these little pests.
- Seal Up Entry Points: Make sure all windows, doors, and other entry points are tightly sealed. This will help keep stink bugs out.
- Don’t Overwater: Stink bugs are attracted to moisture, so don’t overwater your lawn, and make sure to watch for leaky pipes or faucets in your home.
- Vacuum Them Up: If you see a stink bug, use a vacuum cleaner to suck it up. Be aware that they’ll probably release their odor in the vacuum canister, but the smell should go away quickly.
- Use Soapy Water: One other trick is to sweep the bugs into a container of soapy water. They cannot escape or release their odor and will eventually drown.
- Encourage Natural Predators: Birds and beneficial insects can help keep stink bug populations down in your yard.
Let Fox Pest Control Take Care of You
Stink bugs are definitely some of the stinkiest pests out there. Understanding what they smell like, why they stink, and how long the smell lasts can help you deal with these unwelcome guests more effectively. Whether it’s sealing up entry points, setting traps, or calling in natural predators, there are plenty of ways to help keep stink bugs at bay. Combine these tips with our professional stink bug treatment for complete protection!
Stink bugs are included in our Home Protection Plan, which means we treat your home for stink bugs and many other pests every three months. And if you see pests in between your scheduled visits, call us! We’ll come out for free and treat your home with a targeted treatment. Call today!
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