The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), an insect not previously seen on our continent, was apparently accidentally introduced into eastern Pennsylvania. It was first collected in September of 1998 in Allentown, but probably arrived several years earlier. The stink bug becomes a nuisance pest both indoors and out when it is attracted to the outside of houses on warm fall days in search of protection. Stink bugs occasionally reappear during warmer sunny periods throughout the winter, and again in the spring.

These insects can produce allergic reactions (rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis) in some individuals who are sensitive to the bugs’ odor (an aeroallergen). These chemicals are produced by dorsal scent glands. Individuals sensitive to the odors of cockroaches and lady beetles are also affected by the Stink bug. Additionally, if the insects are crushed or smashed against exposed skin they have been reported to produce dermatitis at the point of contact. The stink bug will not reproduce inside structures or cause damages. If many of them are squashed or pulled into a vacuum cleaner, there may be a foul odor hence their name “Stink Bug”.

Typically, stink bugs will emerge from cracks under or behind baseboards, around windows and door trims, and around exhaust fans or lights in ceilings. Seal these openings with caulk or other suitable materials to prevent the insects from crawling out. Both live and dead stink bugs can be removed from interior areas with the aid of a vacuum cleaner – however, the vacuum may acquire the smell of stink bugs for
a period of time.

A Predator Pest Control technician can seal up cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, underneath the wood fascia and other openings. We strongly believe this is the best method to keep stink bugs from entering homes and buildings. We recommend using silicone-latex caulk. Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced as well. If you see multiple stink bugs on a daily occurrence then please call our office. We can dispatch a technician who will conduct a thorough inspection, attempt to locate the openings where the insects gain access and prescribe a stink bug service that will meet all of your needs.

We Recommend the Following Procedures:

Weather strip entry doors and/or install door sweeps if daylight is visible around the perimeter of the door. Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from your home’s foundation to keep from attracting pests. Inspect for and seal foundation cracks to block a potential point of entry. Secure crawlspace entries. (We can provide this service)

When insulating exposed plumbing pipes around the foundation or the crawlspace of your home, caulk small gaps and fill larger ones with steel wool, (we can provide this service). If your home has a fireplace, cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out pests (we can
provide this service).

It is not advisable to use an insecticide inside after the insects have gained access to the wall voids or attic areas. In cases where the stink bug infestation is grown out of control a Predator Pest Control technician may recommend using diatomaciuose earth dust. This natural/organic insecticidal dust treatments into voids will kill hundreds of stink bugs in just one treatment. Diatomaceous earth does not breakdown or lose its effectiveness after time.

Although aerosol-type pyrethrum foggers will kill stink bugs that have amassed on ceilings and walls in living areas, it will not prevent more of the insects from emerging shortly after the room is aerated. There is also the possibility that carpet beetles will feed on the dead stink bugs and subsequently attack woolens, stored dry goods or other natural products in the home. For this reason, the use of these materials is not considered a good solution to long-term management of the problem. Spray insecticides like raid or other over the counter pesticides will not prevent the bugs from emerging and is not a viable or recommended treatment.

If you believe you have a stink bug problem and would like for one of our trained professionals to come to your house and give you a NO OBLIGATION FREE INSPECTION AND ESTIMATE, contact us at 1855- 773-3867 and be sure to mention that you saw this on our web site.