ST. LOUIS – As temperatures begin to drop across Missouri, we may soon start to notice stink bugs sneaking inside.
These pests don’t cause structural damage and aren’t dangerous to people or pets, but they can quickly become annoying when they arrive in large numbers.
Jay Everitt, the technical director for Rottler Pest Solutions, says that stink bugs spend the spring and summer in farm areas where they are a pest to crops. Then in the fall, they start to head into homes as temperatures cool down in the evenings and in the winter.
Are they harmful?
According to Michigan State University, stink bugs do not bite, sting, or reproduce indoors. Their foul smell is a defense mechanism and can linger for hours if the bugs are crushed.
What to do if they get inside
Experts recommend avoiding pesticides indoors, since sprays are ineffective against these bugs once they’re inside. Instead:
- Use a vacuum or broom to remove them (though the odor may linger in the vacuum).
- Drop them into soapy water to kill them without releasing their scent.
- For larger infestations, consider contacting a pest control professional.
How to keep them out
The best prevention is stopping bugs before they get inside:
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk around windows, doors, siding, chimneys, and foundations.
- Repair or replace torn screens.
- Trim back bushes and tree branches that touch the home.
- Minimize outdoor lighting at night, since this can attract insects.
- Store firewood away from the house.
In addition to stink bugs, Missourians may also notice other bugs such as boxelders, spiders, Japanese lady beetles and ladybugs seeking shelter indoors this season.
While stink bugs may be more of an annoyance than a health threat, sealing up entryways and staying alert in the coming months can help keep your home pest-free.
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