The Invasion of the Stink Bug

The best method of how to get rid of a stink bug is NOT squishing or smashing it, that should be obvious. Once you make that mistake the first time, you never do that again.

Your first instinct when seeing a bug in your house might be to smash it and toss it in the trash. It is a quick method, yes, but not always the wisest choice. Take a moment to identify what it is, otherwise, you might end up with a terrible smell in your home. Yes, this refers to the stink bug.

Stink bugs are not native to the United States, but they are a pest of foreign origin. This invasive species was introduced to the U.S. from Eastern Asia in the mid-1990s and was first collected in the fall of 1996 in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Stink bugs quickly spread to New Jersey, then to Virginia, and then to North Carolina. The stink bug has now lives in over 40 states, including Michigan.

Stink bugs produce the smelly chemical in a gland on their abdomen, and this odor is used to help protect the bugs against predators. That odor compares to strong herbs and spices, such as cilantro or coriander.

Before surely realizing what you have is a stink bug by its smell, know what they look like. The stink bug variety most common in West Michigan is brown, approximately 1-inch long, and has distinctive markings on the back of its wings.

We characterize them as both large, oval-shaped insects and shield-shaped insects. Stink bugs’ legs extend from the sides, so the adult bugs appear larger. There are lighter bands on its antennae and darker bands on the wings.

Homeowners are most likely to notice stink bugs in the fall. Stink bugs will hang around the sunny side of your house, where they can keep themselves warm. Finding many live or dead stink bugs is a sign of infestation, and you will need to contact a licensed control professional, such as the ones at Van Den Berge Pest Control, to evaluate the severity of the problem.

Preventing stink bugs from entering your home is like how you would stop most insects. Check for cracks around windows, doors and siding, and seal any gaps you find. If you have screens on your doors or windows, look for any damage and repair or replace them.

A safe way to remove a stink bug without risking the odor is to use a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum bag or canister should be emptied or cleaned to prevent the odor from permeating the area. Identify where you found the stink bug and isolate that room by sealing the bugs out.

It may be difficult to stop the stink bug from further invading the United States, but you can stop them from invading your home. If you find an unwanted guest call Van Den Berge Pest Control at 616-392-7367.

Learn how to get rid of a stink bug by trusting the locally owned, widely renowned experts at Van Den Berge Pest Control for all of your pest needs. With over 100 years of combined experience throughout the Holland, MI-based pest control team, you know you’re in good hands with our state-certified experts.