What To Do About The Smelly Affair That Is Stink Bugs in Clinton, MD

Stink bugs are not indigenous to America; they are originally from Asia. This, however, does not mean that they are shy about doing what they know best. They will buzz around you and make you uncomfortable. Then, when you get fed up and happen to swat them, they’ll leave behind a terrible odor. It may seem like they are telling you “Either way, you lose!” So, how do you beat them at their game? In what ways can you ensure your home in Prince George’s is free of stink bugs?

Identifying Them

First of all, you need to identify them correctly. You’d be in a losing battle if you are unaware of what to look out for.

Identification
Use this guide to help identify the stink bug:

Color: Although the brown marmorated is the most common stink bug in the U.S., a green variety of stink bug can also be found in the Southeastern and South Central states.
Shape: Stink bugs are shaped like shields and are 1/2 to 3/4 inches long. Young stink bugs are similarly shaped, but are more rounded and may be black or light green.
Behavior: Similar to boxelder bugs, stink bugs will congregate on exterior building walls in the fall, seeking hidden areas in which to overwinter. They can also be a nuisance in the spring as they move further into the home and during summer when they feed on vegetation and crops. Read more at The Spruce…

Isn’t it interesting that their bodies have a shield-like shape? Maybe this is their defense in the bug’s world. Lol!

Various Species

Apart from the brown stink bug, there are other varieties of stink bugs that you should also be on the lookout for. The following post describes them in detail:

Southern Green Stink Bug
Its dull green color makes this type stand out more than the brown marmorated stink bug.

How To Identify:
1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in length

Hides in trees and leaf litter

Found mainly in the southeastern states from Virginia to Florida and as far west as Texas

Attacks crops such as peas, cotton, and soybeans…

One Spotted Stink Bug
A lookalike to the brown marmorated, the one spotted stink bug is found in the eastern states and the Pacific Northwest.

How To Identify:
7/16 inch
Common throughout the U.S.
Agricultural threat to corn Read more at Pests…

Unlike the other species of stink bugs, there is one that is beneficial. The spined soldier bug feeds on other pests that destroy crops. You may not mind having some of these around if you’re an agriculturalist.

Control

However, since most species are destructive, you need to know how to keep them away. The first question to ask is: What attracts them to your home in the first place?

While it may seem as if these pests appear out of nowhere, their presence can usually be attributed to a handful of factors. Stink bugs like fruit (especially ripe fruit) so if you’re a fan of the classic countertop fruit bowl, your ripe bunch of bananas could be a culprit. Unfortunately for gardening gurus, stink bugs also enjoy a wide variety of native plants, from ornamental shrubs to wild vines and weeds. They are known to snack on any and all parts of plants, including the blooms, buds, fruits or vegetables, and even nuts, so chances are high that your garden contains some flora of interest.

To add to the list of unavoidable stink bug attractions, these insects love warmth and sunlight.  Read more at Country Living…

If there is nothing you can do about fruits in your home, then you need to be proactive. You need to seal any unnecessary openings in your home. Also, you may want to change your outdoor light bulbs and use yellow bulbs. This type of light is less attractive to stink bugs.

You can enhance your efforts by working with the experts in pest control. Choose those with the necessary skills to avoid any disappointments. At Backyard Bug Patrol, we offer an organic stink bug control program that will keep the bugs away. Call us today to get rid of these smelly bugs.