Stink bugs are fairly recent invaders of the U.S. It is believed that they first came overseas as stowaways in cargo from China. They were first identified in Pennsylvania in 1998, according to research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since then, they have become a major crop pest here in America, as they have been in their native lands of China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan; but they can also be a major household pest.
If these bugs are allowed to enter your home or business, they can drive you crazy with their clumsy flying, drop randomly onto surfaces, and emit an appalling odor when they are killed. So it is important to know the steps that can keep them out.
- If you have outside trash cans, make sure they have tightly sealed lids or use bungee cords. If there is food available, insects and animals alike will be attracted to your home.
- Do not leave pet food outside.
- If you leave outside lights on at night, consider switching to yellow insect-resistant light bulbs. Also, draw your curtains at night to reduce the light coming from your home. Insects are drawn to light.
- Do a thorough inspection of the outside of your foundation and walls and seal up any gaps or cracks found. Pay close attention to areas where wires, pipes or other items enter your home. Insects are notorious for slipping into houses this way.
- Check all your doors and windows, making sure all door sweeps and screens are present and in good working order. It doesn't take much of a hole for a stink bug to squeeze through.
- Make sure all chimneys and vents are covered with window grade screens. This is another place insects get into homes.
- Have your exterior walls treated by a professional.
If you are serious about keeping stink bugs out of your home, let Parkway Pest Services help. Our pest technicians have the products, knowledge, and necessary equipment to prevent stink bugs, and any other household pest, from getting into your New York home. With almost 80 years of experience, our family owned and operated pest control company can resolve your pest problem today.
It's just nicer to live in a home that is free of stink bugs. Reach out to Parkway today and find out how much nicer it can be.