Stink bugs have become a common issue in Raleigh. If they have appeared on the outside of your home, or worse, inside your home, you probably don't need anyone to help you identify them. These mottled brown, shield-shaped insects are somewhat famous; or should we say infamous? But what you may not know is how to get control of stink bugs when they start to become a problem. Today, we're offering four easy and effective tips to help you get control of Raleigh stink bugs.
1. Seal Potential Entry Points
If these insects haven't gotten into your home yet, you can deter stink bugs by reducing entry points. There are a few common ways these insects infiltrate homes.
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Gaps around gas pipes, wire conduits, and other foundation penetrations can give stink bugs quick access to your home. Use a caulking gun to seal gaps like these.
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If you have any exterior doors that have missing door sweeps or sweeps that are damaged, repair these to keep stink bugs out.
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Gaps in the weatherstripping around a door will be targeted quickly by stink bugs. Replace weatherstripping and adjust the doors on their hinges to address these gaps.
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Damaged screens on doors and windows can give stink bugs access to the space between the screens and glass panes. This may be as far as a stink bug gets. But, when glass panes are broken, or wood frames have been damaged by pests, they can come all the way in. Make repairs to screens, glass panes, and wood frames.
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Vent covers that have been damaged by rodents can allow stink bugs inside. If a rodent has breached the wall of the ventilation duct inside your home, stink bugs can get in this way. Install new covers to keep them out.
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Any gaps in your exterior can let stink bugs in. These can appear over time as your home ages and as timbers expand and contract. Make repairs or use a caulking gun to fill in gaps.
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Mice, rats, carpenter ants, and other pests that damage wood, can create holes in your sole plates. These are the horizontal members above your foundation. This may be where stink bugs are getting in. Repair these holes or fill them in.
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Cracks in foundation walls are likely to be exploited by stink bugs because stink bugs get into the vegetation in landscaping. This brings them close to foundation walls. Use a foundation repair kit to seal most cracks.
2. Consider Light As An Attractant
Stink bugs are attracted to light. Keep entry lights off until you need to use them. The last thing you need are lots of stink bugs in your entryway. These insects can fly right into your home when you open the door to go in or out. Reduce exterior lights around your home at night and keep blinds and curtains closed to reduce stink bugs around your entire Raleigh home.
3. Vacuum
If you're finding stink bugs inside your home, you can suck them up with a vacuum and dispose of the bag outside. You can also use a one- or two-liter soda bottle to make a stink bug trap. All you do with the trap is cover the stink bug and make it fall down into the funnel of the trap and into a collection area. Empty them outside after you collect a few.
4. Professional Control
The easiest way to get control of stink bugs is to contact Go-Forth Pest Control. We can provide you with stink bug control in your home or treatments to the outside of your home. The treatments we provide help to eliminate and control a wide range of pests that get into Raleigh homes - not just stink bugs. While it is certainly bad to have these stinky insects in your home, there are other pests that can present a threat to your health and property.
Do you have more questions about stink bugs, or would you like to request service? We're here to help. Contact us today. We provide industry-leading pest control service in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. We'll guide you toward the right solution for your needs and budgetary concerns.
