One of the biggest pests no homeowner wants to deal with is the stink bug. The stink bug, as it is appropriately named, emits a rancid odour which not only leaves your home smelling but also attracts other stink bugs. And if you are growing vegetables or crops in your garden, then chances are stink bugs will feast on them as well.
If you have never heard of stink bugs or you just want to keep them out of your home, here is a complete guide on the pest that is rapidly spreading throughout Canada.
What is the stink bug?
The stink bug looks like a beetle (though it can also be mistaken for a cockroach) with a shield-like body that is generally green in colour along with piercing-sucking mouthparts. They are approximately 0.67 inches wide and long.
They are said to have originated from Southeast Asia and reportedly introduced in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1998 by accident. They are now established in many parts of the world, including Canada.
Are there a particular species to be worried about in Canada?
All stink bugs are a pest, but one species that has been terrorizing North America is the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, which quickly established itself throughout the continent in recent years. As the name suggests, they are usually brown and have markings on its exterior.
In particular, it has been found in Southern Ontario as well as other regions such as Quebec, Southern British Columbia and Southern Alberta.
Why are stink bugs a problem?
Although stink bugs aren’t a threat to humans, as previously mentioned, they let out a foul odour through holes in their stomachs, usually when they are threatened, disturbed or crushed. That means they can be a major problem even as you try to exterminate them!
They are also huge pests when it comes to agriculture and crops, having destroyed millions of dollars worth of crops in North America in recent years.
Aside from that, stinkbugs are also able to reproduce in huge numbers. One female can lay as many as 400 eggs in a lifetime. It’s easy to see how quickly that number can multiply, especially when this invasive species has no real predators after them on this continent. There is hope that newly-immigrated samurai wasps — first discovered in Canada last year — can help curb the population, but it’s still far too early to tell.
Where do stink bugs roam?
Stink bugs usually feed on fruit trees and agricultural crops. But when the climate gets cold, as it so often gets in Canada, they seek refuge in warmer habitats indoors. The insects can enter through cracks and windows. They are known to enter basements, barns, garages, garden sheds and, you guessed it, into your home.
To make matters worse, they also attract other stink bugs to these locations en masse through their odours.
How do you prevent stink bugs from entering?
Assuming you have no stink bugs in your home already, the best steps to take are sealing all cracks in your home, repairing or replacing any insect screens you have in place. You can also protect your home by putting in sweeps or caulking underneath doors, window frames and any other entry points.
How do you get rid of stink bugs?
The easiest method to get rid of stink bugs is to vacuum them. This is because you won’t be directly handling them or be in close proximity should they emit their odour.
Once you collect all of the stink bugs — whether dead or alive — throw them out far away from your home. That said, only do this if you have a vacuum cleaner that has a removable container or bag because it will definitely smell afterwards. And make sure to do it right away or else you might be smelling their stench every time you use the vacuum cleaner.
You can also sweep them up using a broom and dustpan but this requires a bit more caution.
Let the experts handle it
If you have a stink bug problem and prefer not to do the dirty work. Or you just want a free inspection of your home to check for any or look to prevent them from entering, Provincial Pest Control is ready to help!
If you have any signs of infestation or have any other issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by calling us at 647 997 5080 or Order Your Free Pest Inspection with www.ProvincialPestControl.Ca
