Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Most Nashvillians are aware of stink bugs during the summer and fall. These invasive agricultural pests sneak past your windows and doors to find a more comfortable place to survive. Unfortunately, when you frighten, disturb, or squish them, they release a pungent odor, making removal challenging. However, our Nashville pest control experts at Ameri Care Services share on the blog today five tips to prevent stink bugs from getting inside your Nashville home so that you can enjoy a pest-free summer and fall season.
What are stink bugs, and what do they look like?
Stink bugs are agricultural pests native to Asian countries and were identified in the United States during the 1990s before spreading from Pennsylvania into over 44 states. The most common stink bugs in the U.S. are the brown marmorated species that grow around ¾ of an inch long. In most cases, Nashvillians see adult stink bugs that are a grayish-brown color with a shield-like plate that covers their flat, symmetrical body. As noted above, the most outstanding stink bug characteristic is their odor when they feel threatened or squished.
What attracts stink bugs to homes?
Our pest control pros in Nashville explain that stink bugs often invade homes to hibernate in a process called diapause. With access to temperature-controlled shelter during harsh summer and winter seasons, they ensure their survival.
Below are a few more reasons why stink bugs like your home:
- Pheromones: After a stink bug finds the perfect shelter conditions, they release a special chemical that attracts other stink bugs to the location and can result in an infestation.
- Lighting: Stink bugs are fascinated by bright lights, like many other flying insects. Exterior lights that shine at night can entice the stink bugs to check out the house.
- Gardens: Your garden plants, like grapes, peppers, peaches, apples, and tomatoes, are a buffet on which stink bugs can feed. The closer your garden is to your house, the more likely they are to seek shelter inside.
Can stink bugs cause harm to humans?
Whether you see stink bugs on the windowpane or flying around the living room, it may cause you to have health risk concerns. Fortunately, stink bugs are incapable of biting or stinging humans, especially since their mouthparts are meant to feed on plant sap. Therefore, our experienced pest control technicians in Nashville explain that the stink bug’s only health threat is the horrible smell they emit when disturbed or squished. So, careful removal is necessary to prevent unpleasant smells in your home.
How can I prevent stink bugs from getting inside my house?
Prevention is always the best method to keep pests out of your Nashville home. Unfortunately, pests can enter through small cracks and crevices and signal others to join them.
Therefore, our Nashville pest control company recommends the following tips to help prevent pest infestations:
- Turn off all exterior lights at night when not in use.
- Contact a professional pest extermination company to help remove a stink bug nest.
- Inspect vent screens, patch holes surrounding them, and replace them when damaged.
- Block entry points by sealing cracks and crevices around the exterior walls and foundation.
- Replace or install window and door weatherstripping and door sweeps to create a tight seal.
What treatments are available for stink bugs?
Many homeowners may treat their stink bug infestation with over-the-counter chemicals or methods they found on the internet. Unfortunately, these DIY methods fail to eliminate the infestation and leave bugs behind to procreate, creating an even bigger problem. Therefore, the best method to ensure pest removal is to hire a qualified pest control specialist in Nashville at Ameri Care Services. Our technicians can help remove and treat stink bugs using EPA-approved interior and exterior pest treatment solutions.
Pest Control in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN
It may be startling to see a stink bug fly past your face when cooking dinner or watching TV. Fortunately, you can relax knowing that the pest won’t harm you or your family. Rather, stink bugs are more of an annoyance than anything. However, you must remove stink bugs before they call their friends and make your home their home because they could attract more bugs. If you notice stink bugs inside of your home, it may be time for a visit from our trusted Nashville pest control company, Ameri Care Services. Please call our office at (615) 893-7111 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.