Dealing with Fall Stink Bugs in the Carolinas

As the cooler months of Autumn arrive, so to do the inevitable 'stink bugs'. You likely see them flying or crawling around your home (the same as countless homeowners across the Carolinas). But fear not - Nelon-Cole is here to help you with information on exactly what makes these common intruders 'tick', and if there are any real risks to your family or pets when they make their way inside.

stink bugs are a common intruder into homes in our region

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS A 'STINK BUG'?

Stink Bugs are insects known for the unpleasant odor they release when they feel threatened or are crushed. They belong to the Pentatomidae scientific family (you remember the the traditional order of the seven-level Linnaean system of biological classification from your high school science class, right? Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species...). The one that is most commonly found in homes across the Carolinas is the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys). They are originally native to Asia (China, Japan, Korea). In those regions, it is part of the natural ecosystem, where native predators help control its population. The common species here was introduced accidentally to the U.S. in the 1990s, where it was first detected in Allentown, Pennsylvania, around 1998. From there they special has spread rapidly to most of the continental U.S, parts of Canada, Europe (notably Italy and Switzerland), and South America (especially Chile). Its spread is largely due to its ability to hitchhike on vehicles, crops, and cargo.

ARE STICK BUGS DANGEROUS TO HUMANS OR PETS? Stink Bugs are generally harmless to inhabitants of your home, but they certainly can be an inconvenience and a nuisance. Stink bugs do not bite or sting. They are, however, a well-known agricultural pest, and can damage fruits, vegetables, and field crops like apples, corn, and soybeans. Losses to U.S. farmers can reach tens of millions of dollars annually. They make their way into homes as they seek warmer areas when the weather starts to cool. They have evolved a unique defensive skill; When disturbed or crushed, they release a foul odor from glands on their abdomen. The smell is often described as musty, pungent, or like cilantro gone bad (your mileage may vary here as such odor descriptions are subjective). Stink bugs feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking out juices, leaving spots or deformities

stink bugs prefer outdoors, but will seek warmth when cooler weather arrives

WHAT IS A GOOD WAY TO DEAL WITH STINK BUGS IN MY HOME? Nelon-Cole always recommends calling us as your pest control professionals, as their may be infestation issues that you cannot see with a simple visual inspection. If your desire is the removal of a single bug or a few bugs, the best practice is not to handle them at all (hence their defensive skill). We recommend the use of a vacuum cleaner or lifting them with a paper towel. Stink bugs are skilled aviators, and can take to the air to relocate quickly. They are typically drawn to the light of lamps in dark rooms, so this can sometimes be a good way to 'smoke them out' for an easier capture.

INVOLVING PEST CONTROL SERVICES

Nelon-Cole often finds stink bugs with our regular quarterly inspections of customer homes. This is a huge benefit to homeowners, as we thoroughly inspect your home inside and out for signs of any infestation, and deploy safe, proven, and dependable solutions to rid your home of pests. If you see stink bugs around your home, it could be a sign that your home is vulnerable to other types of invasive pests, some of which can cause damage that requires costly repair services. Nelon-Cole has you covered - call us or fill out our request form (right on our home page) for a FAST response. Whether you need immediate help, or just need a no-obligation quote for services, we will respect your time and never approach you with hard-sell tactics or sales fluff. See why Nelon-Cole is the perennial winner of many service awards in our communities. Charlotte Pest Control - Gastonia Pest Control - Asheville Pest Control - Spartanburg Pest Control - Hendersonville Pest Control - Lincolnton Pest Control