Why are more and more homes in Michigan having issues with stinkbugs? They aren’t native to the area so why are they popping up everywhere? Stinkbugs first came to the United States around 20 years ago from Asia. It’s believed they made their way here on cargo ships. Michigan has been plagued by the brown marmorated stink bug for around 10 years and because the state of Michigan is home to cash crops, stink bugs can be a big problem. They feed on plants and can cause extensive damage to fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and other crops that are valuable to Michigan. The smell that stink bugs produce is how they got their name. They smell nasty when they are injured or killed and will find their way into our homes when the weather gets cold. They will hang out until warmer spring weather arrives and will try and find their way out. They will begin to fly around inside your home and crawl around to get out, eat and reproduce.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Identification
The brown marmorated stink bug is marbled-brown in color with smooth shoulders. It has alternating black and white striping on their abdomen with white bands on their legs and antennae. They are nearly as wide as they are long, measuring about half an inch. Stink bugs are not harmful but if they get inside, you could end up dealing with a massive infestation. They can stain the walls and drapes in your home and large infestation can lead to airborne allergies. They will damage your garden by feeding on your fruits and vegetables. They use their long beaks to inject saliva that will break the plant tissue down. This will cause discoloration, pitting and rotting of fruit so you won’t want to eat it.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Prevention
These bugs get inside homes by crawling behind vinyl and shingle siding to get into wall voids and attics. The best way to keep them out of your home is to seal any openings they will use to get inside. Look around the windows, doors and AC units. Repair or replace screens on your windows and replace damaged weather stripping. Vents into the attic or crawlspace should be screened and door sweeps installed. Chemical products can be used around entry points to keep them out. Using chemicals in your home is not recommended. The most effective way to control stink bugs is to use a vacuum cleaner. It’s better to use a shop-vac if you can as the stink bug smell odor can absorb into a regular vacuum. You can kill them by dropping them in a pan with soapy water. If you can, add a lamp over the top of the pan to act as an indoor trap because they’re attracted to the light. They will damage your garden by feeding on your fruits and vegetables if simply moved outside.
Stink Bug Pest Control in Bloomfield Hills, Canton, Farmington, Milford, New Hudson, Northville, Novi, South Lyon, Wixom & Greater Ann Arbor, Michigan
Homeowners can confuse stink bugs with the western conifer and the boxelder bug. It’s a good idea to call in the professionals for correct identification so they can be taken care of the right way. Pest control specialists will focus on treatment methods that work to control stink bugs and prevent them from getting into your home. Call Knock Em Out Pest Control to come up with the best plan.
