If you notice stink bugs in your home, don’t worry because you are not alone. Stink bugs are pests that are relatively harmless to you and your home but really a nuisance because of their pesky smell. That is the reason why they are called stink bugs, they stink.
What Are Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are invasive insects originally from East Asia. But now, they have become common in the US. There are different types of stink bugs. The most common one is the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.
The brown marmorated stink bugs have a distinct shield-like shaped body and have a marbled pattern on their back. As mentioned above, they are harmless to humans, pets, and your home.
Stink bugs are herbivores. They are harmless at home but they are very harmful to plants and crops. They can cause significant damage to fresh produce.
Stink bugs thrive in warm places. It is one of the reasons why they take refuge in homes when the season becomes colder.
As for their annoying smell, stink bugs have a gland that produces that indescribable stink. This odor is their way to defend themselves from attacks. They will release that odor whenever they feel threatened.
What Attracts Stink Bugs?
Your nose is very familiar with the odor that stink bugs produce. If you smell that specific stink in your home they are probably near. Stink bugs are really a nuisance because of their smell. Knowing what attracts them can make it easier to avoid them. Here are six reasons why your home attracts stink bugs.
- Your home is a comfortable shelter. When stink bugs congregate in your home, especially when the winter season starts, they seek a safe and comfortable shelter for their diapause.
- There is a scent trail in your home. Stink bugs are known to release pheromones. This smell is different from the stinky odor they release when they feel threatened. Pheromones attract other stink bugs. It is the main reason why stink bugs are in groups when you spot them. They discharge this smell to make a trail for other stink bugs to follow.
- Your home is bright. Stink bugs are attracted to light. When they are in the dark, they will go to the nearest place that emits a lot of light. If you are already dealing with stink bugs at home, try to turn off all your exterior lights and pull your blinds before you go to bed.
- Your home offers easy access. The cracks, crevices, gaps, and holes in your home can become the entrance for stink bugs. Even a relatively small hole can be the perfect opening for stink bugs.
- Your home is an agricultural area or near one. Stink bugs are herbivores. They love to chomp plants and fresh produce from fields, orchards, shrubs, and gardens. If your home is part of an agricultural area, expect an assembly of stink bugs.
- Your house is made from natural materials. During their diapause, stink bugs love to chill under the bark of an old tree or rocky crevices. If your home is made from natural materials, it is likely to attract stink bugs. They might mistake it for their typical hangout areas.
If you are struggling with a stink bug infestation, it is efficient to call a pest control service. Life After Bugs is the most reliable pest control service in Houston, Texas.
If you want to get rid of that creepy crawlies in your home, don’t hesitate to call us. We service clients from Houston and also the residents near Houston, Texas.
