Stop the Stink: How to Defend Your House from Stink Bugs This Spring
In recent years, Michigan has seen an increase in stink bug activity. Unfortunately, these pesky critters love the dry, temperate atmosphere of the indoors and will seek to find shelter inside your home whenever possible.
They are also wintering pests, which means they will hunker down inside your home during the winter season until it’s springtime and once again warm enough to emerge. As we steadily enter a new season, you’re bound to see these guys scampering about your home, and you’re going to want to make sure you know exactly how to get rid of them when you do.
If you see a stink bug in your home, avoid touching it directly. Stink bugs release an odor when threatened that can be quite foul. They may also send out warning signals (via body chemicals) that will attract other stink bugs nearby. The last thing you want is more stink bugs in your home, right? The best course of action is to grab a paper towel and gently pick up the bug before depositing it outside.
Steps to Keep Them OUT
To keep stink bugs out of your house, make sure to eliminate all potential points of entry into your house. Not sure where to start? Check to make sure your windows are sealed tightly and that there aren’t any small cracks or crevices around your window frames.
A few proven “home hacks” that can be done to ward off stink bugs include rubbing dryer sheets on your window screens (the more smell the better). Stink bugs dislike the smell (a tad ironic, no?) and will generally avoid it.
If there’s one area where you find stink bugs to be frequently present, you might also consider hanging a damp towel the back of a lawn chair (or whatever you happen to have at your disposal) and leaving it overnight. Come morning, the towel will be covered in stink bugs that you can get rid of by disposing of them in soapy water.
Or, if time restrictions have your schedule pretty tight but you still want a good way to get rid of these pests, simply squish a few of the stink bugs outside of your home. This usually does a good job of warding off other stink bugs from coming too close to your house.
Can’t Get the Stink Bugs to Go? It’s Time for a Pro!
If you find that, no matter what steps you take, you just can’t get rid of these little stinkers (pun intended), then it’s time to reach out to the professionals. Presidio Pest Management has years of experience protecting homes just like yours from the presence of these pesky little bugs. We’re here to take the stress off your shoulders and turn your home back into the den of comfort you love.
Our staff is highly educated in the world of bugs, and we’ll take your home from infested to immaculate in no time flat! Give us a call to set up your free inspection today!
