Stink Bugs

Stink bugs or “shield bugs” as they are commonly called are a very unique and fairly easy to identify insect. The adult stink bug’s body is a mottled grayish-brown color and they have copper or bluish-metallic patches of color found on their heads. Their most distinctive feature is their triangular shaped plate or “shield” that is found on their backs. Another common way that stink bugs are identified is by their smell, stink bugs release a very powerful and foul smelling odor from special glands located under their thorax. The odor is released as a way to defend themselves.

Stink bugs are not dangerous to people, however the powerful odor that they emit can become very overwhelming inside a home. It is also important to note that they are a major agricultural threat and large populations can cause damages to fruit and vegetables crops.

Stink bugs typically spend most of the year outside feeding and breeding, however in the late fall stink bugs look to move indoors. During the fall months you can find large numbers of stink bugs grouped together on the sunny, warm exterior walls of homes and buildings. As they crawl up the exterior walls they will find their way inside through small cracks, crevices, and openings. Once inside they can be found overwintering inside attics, underneath floors, behind walls voids, and in crawl spaces.

If you’ve discovered what you think is a stink bug infestation, contact A-1 Pest Control for help. Offering effective pest control solutions for both homes and businesses in Western North Carolina as well as part of the Piedmont area, you can count on our team to conduct a thorough inspection and develop a treatment plan that stops these pests! To learn more, please give us a call or complete our online form.

To avoid stink bugs infestations, we recommend:

• Repair all cracks and crevices found in your home’s foundation and exterior walls.
• Caulk gaps around exterior windows and doors.
• Place screens in all exterior windows and doors; replacing any that have holes or tears.
• Seal around air conditioners and other utilities that are entering into your home.