Why Now Is The Time To Be Thinking About Stink Bug Protection For Your Western Massachusetts Home

September 22, 2020

In: Occasional Invaders

The reason pest prevention is a constant concern is that certain pests pose the greatest risks during different times of the year. With odorous stink bugs, now is the time to be making sure you’re taking proper precautions. Otherwise, once the weather cools, they will already have found ways inside your property.

What Do Stink Bugs Look Like?

The common stink bug that comes to mind is the brown marmorated stink bug. These guys are small, beetle-like insects with grayish-brown coloration. They aren’t native to the United States and are a relatively recent introduction to the area, first discovered outside of Asia in 1998. They’ve nonetheless thrived all over the continent, and these nuisance pests have become quite the blight on the landscape in a short amount of time. You can spot a brown marmorated stink bug by the following traits:

• Shape: Stink bugs are round and flat in shape but they can range in size depending on how old they are. Stink bug nymphs go through several stages of growth before becoming mature adults.

• Markings: Markings can vary by stage, but adult stink bugs tend to have sandy, speckled topsides and a dark arrowhead-shaped spot on their rears.

• Odor: Stink bugs release an odor from the glands in their bellies as a defense mechanism to ward off birds and lizards. The smell isn’t pleasant for people either, often described as reeking of rotten vegetables.

The Problems Of A Stink Bug Infestation

Aside from their disgusting odor and appearance, stink bugs have proven to be disastrous populations for American agriculture. The pests feed on a variety of common plants and crops, responsible for the collapse of local farms and orchards all across the continent. But they are a nuisance for common property owners, too. They can destroy a garden full of fresh veggies or flowers or can strip decorative bushes and trees in a matter of weeks. As they grow in size, stink bugs quickly reproduce, meaning one tiny introduction of these pests to your property can quickly grow out of hand.

Stink Bug Prevention For Your Property

Again, it’s important to stay up on pest prevention year-round, not just when you notice the problem. While stink bugs are primarily active outdoors from spring through summer, they can become an indoor problem as the temperatures drop and they seek shelter and warmth. Take all of the following steps to ensure that your property is less accessible to them:

• Seal cracks: Never underestimate how small of a crack or hole a bug can squeeze through. What looks like tiny faults to a human eye are actually gaping entrances to stink bugs and other pests. Inspect your exterior frequently and make repairs where needed.

• Landscaping: Since stink bugs eat vegetation, they will often find their way indoors by simply following the trail of food. Tree limbs and foliage that encroach near your home or business provide highways for pests to get in through cracks or faulty window screens.

• Exterior treatments: The surest way to keep all kinds of nuisance bugs out is to treat the yard and exterior of your home with proven and safe solutions. Your local pest professionals can provide you with more details.

Ongoing Service & Protection From American Pest

Whether you’re worried about their disgusting odors or their destructive tastes, stink bugs are a pest that you’re better off avoiding. To stay up on all the prevention steps needed, it’s best to turn to the professionals who know everything there is to know. At American Pest Solutions, our expert staff can provide you with even more helpful tips, not to mention an inspection of your property. If we spot stink bugs, or even if you just want proper treatments to ward off yard pests of all kinds, you can count on us to act quickly.

Contact American Pest Solutions today.