Stink Bugs and How To Get Rid of Them

Stink Bugs in Pennsylvania. Stink bug control has been somewhat of a problem in PA this month. How do you get rid of stink bugs? Just don't step on them whatever you do!

What Are Stink Bugs?
The Greek classification of the smelly Stink Bug is Pentatomidae Pente, meaning five and tomos meaning section is a family of insects that includes some of the stink bugs and shield bugs.

"Many stink bugs and shield bugs are considered agricultural pest insects, because they can create large populations; they suck plant juices and damage crop production, and they are resistant to many pesticides. However, some genera of Pentatomidae are considered highly beneficial; the anchor bug, which can be distinguished by the red-orange anchor shape on the adult, is one example. It is a predator of other insects, especially Mexican bean beetles, Japanese beetles, and other pest insects" says Wikipedia

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly and The Stinky

• The Good: Stink bugs aren't all that bad. If you're plagued with the stinky bugs, you won't care that they do drive away other pests. They don't bite or sting, or carry the Bubonic Plague.
• The Bad: The bad part is they stink, horribly! If you step on one, you'll see what I mean.
• The Ugly: Stink bugs are UGLY. You may see some pictures that depict stink bugs as cute and colorful. Don't be fooled by a pretty face! No matter how colorful they are, they still stink when disturbed.
• The Stinky: You can't believe the stink these bugs will unleash on you and your household if you try to squish one. The rancid smell also takes a long time to get rid of once they let it rip. You'd be better off removing them intact and disposing them somewhere far away from your home.

How To Control Stink Bugs

• The best stink bug control is prevention. Don't let them in your house. As it gets cooler outside, the stink bug is looking for accommodations - your nice warm home!
• Replace the weatherstripping around your doors and windows. Stink bugs will look for any opening to find comfortable lodging.
• As mentioned above, if one or two get in your house, remove them alive if possible. Try not to disturb them any more than is necessary.
• So, how do you get rid of stink bugs if they're more than you can handle? Simple. Get out the big wet vac and suck them up. Then run far, far away with the bag and dispose of them. A household vacuum cleaner might not be the best form of pest control. Once they're angry and inside the vacuum cleaner, they're likely to unleash their deadly secret weapon, and you can kiss your favorite Oreck vacuum cleaner good by!
• If you have an infestation, call the exterminator. A certified pest controller can do the job better than you can. He might even know a few tricks of the trade to help prevent a stink bug infestation next year.

If you live in Pennsylvania, and you already have a stink bug problem, you have your work cut out for you. Remember, they don't bite, but they will stink you out of house and home if not controlled properly.

Written by Donna Diegel

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