What are stink bugs doing in my house in the middle of January?
If you live in Northern New Jersey, you may have seen some smelly visitors lately – I am referring to brown marmorated stink bugs. The other day I got a call from a customer asking what these bugs are doing in her home in the middle of January!
Where do stinkbugs come from?
The brown marmorated stink bugs are native to eastern Asia including China, Japan and Taiwan. They were first documented in United States in Pennsylvania in the late 1990s. Stinkbugs get their name from the foul older they emit when squished or scared. The stink they produce will cling to whatever surface they land on which could be a rug or curtain.
Are stink bugs dangerous?
Not really as they do not bite or pose a threat to you. However, they can eat crops so can be a threat to farmers. In addition, they are known to eat seeds and seedpods of ornamental trees and shrubs; meaning they can be a landscape destroyer. When they feed, they can also spread plant diseases from one plant to the other.
How to get rid of stinkbugs - a home remedy
The best thing to do is grab them gently with a plastic bag and then take them outside. You can flush them down the toilet too. If you have a vacuum that uses bags you can vacuum them up – but you’ll need to toss the bag out.
Some people have said that a simple combination the hot water, dish soap and white vinegar can be a trap. Or you can make s spray of 2 cups of water , 1 cup white vinegar and a half cup of dish soap and spray it on the bugs directly. Other remedies include mint as an act as a natural stink bug repellent. Mix 2 cups of water with 10 drops of mint oil in a spray bottle. Spray on plant leaves, and around doorways or windowsills.
What are stinkbugs attracted to?
Stink bugs are attracted to the warmth and shelter of your house and will come in through any cracks and openings. Seal openings with caulk to keep them out. Be sure to check screens on windows and doors for holes.
Light also attracts stinkbugs to your house. To prevent this you should keep exterior lighting to a minimum and used blinds to reduce any light from inside the home from getting out.
Stink bugs also have a habit of divebombing unsuspecting persons. They’re able to fly but not very well. They tend to fly a radically through a room and then suddenly drop onto a plate of food or someone’s head. It has happened to me.
A few stink bugs here and there are common and no need for alarm. Understanding what in your house attracts stink bugs and following these tips can help keep them out. If you find a large amount of stink bugs in your home contact me at Go Green.
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