Keep Stink Bugs Out Of Your Home In Spencerville, MD

We already discussed how September brings “Stink Bug season.” It marks the beginning of their invasion of homes in search of a place to hibernate for the winter. Spencerville, MD may be small and have under 2,000 inhabitants, but we’ll borrow a leaf from former President George W. Bush and say “no household left behind.” Not even in a place where most people are renters.

We care about all 20% of you homeowners, and even you DIYers will do everything in your power to solve things on your own before calling your landlord. We want to recommend some proven ways of keeping stink bugs out of your house.

Stink bugs are attracted by light and moisture, so it’s important to remember to fix any leaking pipes and torn blinds that may let light out at night. Don’t forget to turn off porch lights too to make your house less of a glaring neon “welcome” sign to the dreaded pests. These are great ways to prevent stink bugs. The best way to keep them out though is by figuratively and literally locking the door.

Your best defense against stink bugs is to arm yourself with weather-stripping, caulking and tape and make your home a fortress. Seal up gaps and crevices around foundations and any area where doors, windows, chimneys and utility pipes are cut into the exterior. Any opening large enough for a stink bug to crawl through should be sealed. Read more at Patch.com…

So caulking and repairing or replacing screens is how you can keep stink bugs out.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a step by step process list for how to do this and what to use? Check this out:

Fill small cracks on the outside of the building with urethane caulking. Purchase a urethane caulking gun from a hardware store to repair cracks in concrete that are smaller than 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). Apply the caulking by drawing the tip of the gun down each crack, filling it completely. Repair small cracks in the building at least once a year.

Wear gloves and old clothing while applying caulking, as it is very difficult to get off your hands and garments.

Repair large cracks with a backer rod and caulk. If a crack in your concrete is large, use your hands to squeeze a piece of foam backer rod into the crack until it is 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) below the surface of the concrete. Using sharp scissors, cut open a tube of urethane caulk so that the opening is approximately as wide as the crack. Squeeze a line of caulk over the crack, then use the back of a spoon to smooth the caulk flush against the concrete. Read more at Wikihow…

Now that you’ve got the play by play on how to properly caulk your house to prevent those unwanted squatters, what about when it comes to repairing and replacing screens?

Replace and repair

Stink bugs can enter the home through the smallest openings, so it’s important to repair or replace damaged screens on windows or doors. Don’t forget to check for torn weather-stripping and loose mortar. You can also install door sweeps if necessary. Read more at WFSB…

It’s also important to check the screens in your chimney and attic.

So get out there, bundle up some for these lower temperatures and make sure your house is properly secured and sealed off from the entry of stink bugs. As always, follow our blog for more tidbits on keeping stink bugs out or reach out to us at Backyard Bug Patrol and ask about our famous stink bug barrier solution. If you are dealing with an infestation, don’t wait! Call us today for safe and effective stink bug control.