Stink Bugs Looking For Warm Winter Home

If you’re experiencing a stink bug invasion at your home or business, you aren’t alone.

That according to Putnam County U.T. Extension Office agent Wayne Key. He said the brown marmorated stink bug hasn’t always been here, but it’s quickly become a nuisance.

“They originated from Asia and were introduced here years ago. Since then, they’ve spread,” Key said. “They’re prolific reproduces, they have four different stages of the life cycle, they can certainly survive our winters, and they like our environment and fruit crops.”

Key said the foul-smelling pest typically begin their uninvited home visits during the fall months.

“With these guys, they like those south-facing windows. They’re usually attracted to sunlight, so they’ll be in those windows and around those lighted areas. They like white walls and light colors,” Key said. “They’re drawn to warmth, so that would be the best place in a home. If they do come in the house, look at those south-facing windows. Those would be the ones to head to first in order to take care of them.”

You can attempt to keep them out of your home or business by sealing cracks and crevasses around doors and windows. If they do get inside, Key said you should avoid insecticides and resort to a vacuum cleaner or paper towel for removal.

The stink bugs won’t cause any harm to homes or humans, but they can do a number on many different crops. Key said he’s fielded several calls from farmers complaining about the bugs this year.

“Basically, they pierce that fruit to pull out the juices. When they do, that causes a blemish on that particular plant and an unmarketable product,” Key said. “It can definitely hurt the bottom line for a lot of our farmers.”

Key said the good news is that populations of the bugs will start to decrease once the weather gets colder.