Stink bug pest control in Athens is a crucial component of maintaining your property. However, actually managing these pests on your own is much easier said than done.
In general, DIY stink bug prevention is recommended, but DIY stink bug control is not. In other words, preventing stink bug problems in the first place is more than doable on your own, but actually removing an existing stink bug presence is something best left to professionals.
This post will provide some very important information regarding stink bug behavior, how to stop them from getting indoors, how to protect your plants, and how professional control can help. Let’s get started.
Understanding Stink Bugs: Anatomy And Behavior
In several ways, stink bugs have similar features to other insects. They have six legs, two antennae, and wings. But something that sets stink bugs apart, visually, is their unique shape. Stink bugs have an overall body shape that resembles a shield. In fact, some people even call stink bugs shield bugs.
Are stink bugs invasive? Put simply, yes. There are many different kinds of stink bugs, but the brown marmorated stink bug, in particular, has drawn attention in the United States in recent decades, specifically because it is an invasive species.
In short, this is why you may have noticed more stink bugs near your home over time. Because they are invasive, these stink bugs often appear in large numbers, which drives their behavior.
Stink bugs in Athens want food and shelter. Your backyard can provide food (more on that soon), and your home can provide warmth. This is why it’s so important to seal off your home from stink bugs looking for a place to stay.
Indoor Defense: Keeping Stink Bugs Out Of Your Living Spaces
If you’re wondering how to prevent stink bugs from entering your home, then this will be your favorite part of the article. Here are some tips you can use to keep stink bugs out:
Check for damaged window screens and replace or repair them as soon as possible.
Replace weatherstripping on windows and doors when needed.
Use door sweeps on exterior-facing doors.
Look for other small openings in the exterior of your house. Seal them immediately.
Make use of plants with strong smells, such as spearmint, lemongrass, and clove. You can also use essential oils that carry these scents.
If there’s no feasible way for stink bugs to walk into your home, then they won’t. It’s as simple as that. The challenge comes from their ability to use even tiny openings. So, bolster your home’s defenses before stink bugs become a problem.
Landscaping Tips: Safeguarding Your Plants From Stink Bugs
You may have heard talk of stink bugs doing damage to gardens. But do stink bugs eat plants? Is this really a concern for properties with large amounts of stink bugs?
Yes, stink bugs do eat plants, and this can include fruits and vegetables. They’ve also been known to negatively impact certain crops with their feeding patterns.
But you can protect your plants by taking some simple steps. Clear your garden of clutter and debris, treat vulnerable plants with a mixture of soap and water, and remove weeds from your garden and lawn. These steps can deter stink bugs from preying on your plants.
Stink Bug Management: Contact Us For Experienced Control
To get rid of stink bugs, all you need to do is request the services of a local and reliable Athens home pest control company.
Pest control pros know exactly how to deal with stink bug problems in residential areas, and we can also make informed recommendations for future prevention efforts.
If you’re in need of stink bug exterminators for your home, then feel free to contact us here at American Pest Control.
Our certified pest experts will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Simply fill out this form for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Contact Us Today!