Key Takeaways
- Stink bugs are invasive pests that were accidentally introduced to the U.S. from Asia in the late 1990s and have since spread across the country, including Suffolk County & Nassau County.
- They seek shelter in homes during autumn, coming in through cracks, gaps, and crevices as they prepare to overwinter through the colder months.
- While not dangerous, stink bugs release a foul odor when threatened, can trigger allergic reactions, and may stain surfaces if crushed.
- Their short lifespan (6-12 months) is offset by rapid reproduction, and a single female can lay up to 500 eggs.
- Prevention is key, so make sure to seal entry points, reduce outdoor lighting, and invest in professional preventative treatments.
- Professional pest control is the most effective solution for preventing and eliminating stink bug infestations before they become overwhelming.
Itโs that time of year again: stink bug season!
Stink bugs are small, shield-shaped insects that have become a major nuisance on Long Island and across the United States. Though theyโre primarily outdoor agricultural pests, during the fall when the weather starts to cool down, stink bugs will migrate to the sunny sides of homes and commercial buildings seeking warmth and shelter. Then, before you know it, theyโve worked their way inside the structures through any available cracks, gaps, or crevices.
To help you prevent a stink bug invasion this fall, here are 6 stink bug facts you need to know to better understand this common pest.
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10 Facts About Stink Bugs
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Stink bugs do, in fact, stink.
Weโll start with what may seem like an obvious fact. Stink bugs get their name because of the foul smell released from their abdomens when they feel threatened. The smell varies based on which species it is (on Long Island we see the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug most often), but most people describe the scent as smelling like cilantro.
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Stink bugs were accidentally introduced to the U.S. in the 1990s.
Stink bugs are an invasive species native to Eastern Asia and were accidentally introduced to the United States in the late 1990s in Pennsylvania. Stink bugs are now found throughout the United States, primarily in the mid-Atlantic region, where they have become a major nuisance.
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This has made them a threat to crops and the agricultural industry.
As we touched on earlier, stink bugs are established across the country and pose a major threat to the agricultural industry because they destroy crops, ornamental plants, fruit trees, and gardens. Though we mainly see the brown marmorated stink bug on Long Island, most species of stink bugs feed on plants; they will suck the juice from leaves, stems, and roots.
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Stink bugs eat a varied diet.
Stink bugs are omnivores, meaning they will eat both plants and other insects. Their diet includes fruits such as apples and pears, vegetables like okra and squash, and even plants that grow from seeds like dill. Some stink bug species have even been known to eat aphids (plant-sucking bugs) off the leaves of plants if nothing else is available.
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Stink bugs go through a process called โoverwintering.โ
Like many other common household pests we see on Long Island, stink bugs undergo a process called overwintering. This is when they find safe places to hide during the colder months and emerge in springtime when it gets warmer.ย
Stink bugs do not have a long lifespan: they can only live for up to one year. However, because of their reproductive capabilities, stink bug populations are able to grow quickly in areas where they are established.
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Stink bugs have a relatively short lifespan.
Adult stink bugs typically live for six to eight months, though some can survive up to one year under ideal conditions. While this may not seem like a long time, it’s more than enough for these pests to cause significant problems in your home.ย
During their lifespan, stink bugs spend the warmer months feeding and reproducing outdoors before seeking shelter in your Suffolk County & Nassau County home as temperatures drop.
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Stink bugs are prolific reproducers.
Don’t let their short lifespan fool you, stink bugs are remarkably efficient at multiplying. A single female stink bug can lay between 250 and 500 eggs during her lifetime, typically in clusters of 20 to 30 eggs on the undersides of leaves. These eggs hatch in just 4 to 5 days, and the nymphs go through five developmental stages before reaching adulthood.ย
This rapid reproduction cycle is why stink bug populations can explode quickly and why early intervention is so critical.
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Stink bugs donโt bite or sting, but theyโre still a problem.
Stink bugs don’t bite, sting, or transmit diseases. However, that doesn’t mean they’re harmless houseguests. Beyond the obvious odor issue, stink bugs can trigger allergic reactions in some people, causing symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and even dermatitis if their secretions come into contact with skin. Plus, crushing them indoors can leave stains on walls, curtains, and furniture.
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Stink bugs are attracted to light.
If you’ve ever noticed stink bugs congregating around your windows, light fixtures, or TV screen, there’s a reason for that. Stink bugs are highly attracted to light sources, which is why they often end up inside homes through gaps around windows and doors.ย
Keeping exterior lights off in the evening during peak stink bug season can help reduce their attraction to your home.
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It is possible to keep infestations out of your house.
Stink bugs may seem like an inevitable fall pest you deal with in your home, but along with a preventative stink bug treatment, some basic pest proofing can help you keep these invasive pests out of your home.
Be sure to seal any cracks, crevices, and gaps on the exterior of your home. This wonโt just help with stink bugs; it will also aid in keeping out other common household pests and even rodents like mice and rats that are also seeking warmth and shelter this time of year. Stink bugs commonly come in through windows; be sure to check yours to see if you need any window screen replacements or caulking, as these could also be entry points for pests.
Suffolk County & Nassau Countyโs Seasonal Pest Exterminators
Suburban Exterminating offers stink bug control services that are safe and effective against stink bug infestations. For the best pest protection for your home, we recommend our Seasonal Pest Protection. Offering homeowners year-round pest control services, this program targets stink bugs as well as many other household pests.
For more information about getting rid of stink bugs or to schedule your free inspection, call or text Suburban Exterminating at 516-864-6900 today or fill out a contact form here.