Did you know that stink bugs don’t wear sweaters? Most likely not because they don’t want to, but more likely because they do not have the intelligence to construct the necessary items to keep them warm through the winter months.
If stink bugs had the ability to build their own homes, with tiny fireplaces and miniature fleece blankets, they probably would. Unfortunately for stink bugs, they cannot. Instead, they must find warmth in a more conventional way, by invading our homes. This leaves us with a rather interesting query. How can homeowners keep stink bugs out of our homes this winter?
Unwanted Guests
Stink bugs are the very definition of a nuisance pest. They love crawling over our TVs when we are comfortable on the couch. We can hear them fluttering from across a room. When we catch them, if we don’t gently surround them with toilet paper or paper towels and cautiously carry them to a safe place, like a toilet or the outdoors, then they will release an unpleasant scent that causes us to wrinkle our noses. Needless to say, stink bugs are unwanted guests in our home.
Here is how we can keep them out.
Keeping Stink Bugs Out of Our Homes
- Seal off points of entry. Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks or gaps that stink bugs could use to gain entry into your home. Specifically pay attention to areas around utility pipes and siding, underneath wood fascia, and behind chimneys. Use a caulking gun to seal any cracks you may find.
- Repair or replace screens. Another common way stink bugs will invade is through rips or tears found in door or window screens. Making sure all of your homes screens are in good repair will go a long way toward keeping these unwelcome guests out of your home.
- Keep lights off at night. Stink bugs, like many other insects, are attracted to light. Keeping your exterior lights off at night will help you to avoid attracting stink bugs to the walls of your home.
- Properly landscape your yard. When it comes to keeping stink bugs out of your yard, landscaping is key. Trim branches and shrubbery found around your property, and keep firewood at least 20 feet away from the walls of your home.
The Best Prevention Tip
When it comes to stink bug prevention, it is always best to get help from a professional. Here at Parkway, we are just that. If you want your home to be stink bug-free this winter, we are here to help. We offer a wide variety of protection plans to fit your budget and your home's needs. Give us a call to discuss which of our plans best suits your needs. We are here to serve you!