WHO KNEW? Stink Bugs

It is hard to believe we are at the end of summer.  Along with all of that, we are heading into Stink Bug season!  As new co-owners here, we were taken aback by the abundance of stink bugs that made their way into our condominium for the winter months.  Luckily, our bored indoor cats are easily entertained by their presence—making heroic efforts to keep the numbers down, even if it meant trying to climb curtains to get to them as they crawled up our walls. Since they were an issue, I have never had to deal with, I had to read up on the little stinkers.

They are more active during dramatic weather changes and more active as summer transitions into fall.  During this period, they actively look for shelter, I am assuming instinctively looking for spaces to stay warm during the winter months.  Preferring a warm environment, they will look for access through cracks in doorways, walls, roofs, and windows. They thrive in rural areas and may be drawn to any bark or dead wood around your home. I was surprised to learn that they love to inhabit areas with bright lights and access to natural sunlight coming through windows. One stink bug can give off enough scent to attract more bugs into a living space.

It is important to use treatments when you see the first stink bugs of the season.  Making this effort in the beginning of the season can cut down the numbers you will see during the rest of the season. It is also important to dispose of them outside of your home, and not in open waste bins in your home—otherwise their scent will linger and continue to attract others. Lastly, keep household surfaces clean, wiping them down regularly with a cleaner to remove any scent left behind.