Easy Ways To Keep Stink Bugs Out Of The House As Temperatures Drop

When the weather gets chillier, many insects will search for a warm, dark place for the season and stink bugs are no exception. Though these pests don't harm pets or people, they can be a nuisance if they get inside your home. By sealing any possible entryways, you can keep stink bugs out of your house. Since stink bugs can squeeze through tiny openings as small as ⅛ of an inch, it's crucial to inspect your doors, windows, vents, and other areas that could give these annoying insects access to your space.

You may be worried that the stink bugs are flocking to your house in order to breed, but this isn't the case. Stink bugs enter a sort of hibernation in the winter, so they are simply seeking a safe place to rest; however, once they secure a spot, they release a pheromone that attracts more stink bugs, which is why it's important to prevent them from coming inside. If these bugs are handled, crushed, or frightened, they will release an awful stench that may irritate your skin, but they likely won't damage your home. Luckily, stink bugs will be a thing of the past if you take preventative measures to keep them out as temperatures drop.

The best and easiest way to keep stink bugs out of your house this fall is by eliminating small openings where they could enter. Fill any gaps or cracks in your window sills and doorways with a silicone caulk that dries clear. This will allow you to see if you possibly missed a spot. You'll also want to check by your wiring and pipes for crevices and seal those as well. If any of your window screens are broken, be sure to fix them and ensure that all door and window screens are tight. Additionally, check the weatherstripping around your doors and windows and replace them if they don't seal properly. Placing door sweeps onto exterior and garage doors may also help prevent a stink bug invasion.

For those with window-unit air conditioning systems, you'll need to remove them as temperatures start dropping. This is often an easy way for bugs to get inside, and can be fixed by taking out the machine and shutting the window. If you suspect the bugs are coming in through vents, try installing galvanized mesh screening that is only ⅙ of an inch in diameter. If some of these insects still make their way inside, you can get rid of stink bugs in your home by vacuuming them up, taking the vacuum outside, and emptying them into soapy water. Though it might feel bad to kill them, releasing them could mean they'll end up back inside your house.