When Do Stink Bugs Commonly Invade Homes?
Stink bugs are most active from March through September, so you may notice more of these insects than usual during these months. However, this timespan can vary depending on the weather each month, as stink bugs’ main motive when entering a home is to find shelter from the cold. When it comes to the time of day stink bugs are most active, you can expect to see them most often during the day or near lamps or outdoor lighting at night.
Stink Bug Prevention Tips
The best way to eliminate stink bugs is to prevent them in the first place.
There are several things you can do to prevent stink bugs from making their way into your home, including:
- Checking for broken screens on windows and doors and making the necessary repairs
- Sealing possible entryways
- Changing your outdoor lightbulbs to yellow, as stink bugs are less attracted to this color light
- Turning off exterior lighting at night
- Carefully inspecting laundry that was hung outside before bringing it indoors
Otherwise, you will need to contact a stink bug exterminator or experiment with homemade stink bug repellents to eliminate a large infestation.
FAQs
Can stink bugs bite or harm humans?
Stink bugs are not aggressive towards humans and cannot bite, as their mouths do not allow them to pierce through skin. Although they do produce a foul odor when they are squished, this scent is typically harmless and may only cause mild irritation to people who are particularly sensitive to smells.
Are stink bugs attracted to certain colors?
Stink bugs are known to be particularly attracted to the color white, which is why you may notice these insects latched onto your light-colored bed sheets or bath towels.
How do stink bugs get into homes?
There are several ways stink bugs make their way into homes, either by hitching a ride on laundry that has been hung up on the clothesline outside or through broken screens or cracks in your home. Once stink bugs enter a home, they will give off pheromones that attract other stink bugs, which is why you may notice several in your home at one time.
What are the health risks associated with stink bugs?
As mentioned earlier, there are no known health risks associated with stink bugs, as their mouths do not enable them to pierce through human skin. They are also not harmful to pets, so you won’t have to worry if your furry friend comes in contact with a stink bug.
Do stink bugs damage furniture and clothing?
Stink bugs typically will not cause damage to the structure of a home or anything within a home. When squished, they may release droppings that can leave tiny stains on furniture or clothing, but these stains can usually be removed in a standard wash cycle.
