The mid-Atlantic region of the United States boasts the highest concentration of stink bugs.  But they are alive and well in Massachusetts too.

The marmorated or East Asian stink bug is back!  Well, they technically never left.  These ugly, six-legged pests can be found on sunny porches, exterior walls, and even inside your home.  You generally will not see stink bugs in the summertime.  Why do they come out in the fall?  Stink bugs are looking for a place to overwinter.  That’s why they are coming inside your home, and it is also why they might be congregating inside your walls, attics, or crawl spaces.

What happens to stink bugs in winter?

Marmorated stink bugs don’t need much in the winter.  They seek a dark, warm, moist place to enter their hibernation state, called torpor.  You will not find evidence of stink bugs during the winter, so if you want rid of them, now is the time to act!

Does mosquito control get rid of stink bugs?

Mosquito control will not get rid of stink bugs.  There are a few ways to eliminate infestations around your home, though.  You can choose to call on a professional stink bug exterminator, who knows how to locate potential infestation areas around your home, or you can try to eliminate them on your own as you see them.

Some home remedies are recommended for stink bug extermination, but you will have to see for yourself if they actually work.  As we know in the world of mosquito control, home remedies are not the answer to killing pests.  Perhaps a more effective means of stink bug elimination begins with removal.  Your weapon of choice will be a wet-dry vac.  It is not recommended that you use your inside vacuum cleaner, as stink bugs…well, they stink.  And once you begin sucking them up, they will release their odorous chemical.  Some recommend adding water to your wet-dry vac before beginning your stink bug removal.  Others recommend sucking them up in to a dry vacuum, and then putting them into a sealed back to meet their demise.

Are you sure that you are seeing stink bugs and not these guys?

Some Massachusetts have reported large marmorated stink bug infestations around their homes only to find that the bugs in question are Western Conifer Seed Bugs.  These West Coast natives have found their way to Massachusetts, and they are everywhere!  They too, are looking for a way inside your home.  They tend to congregate by the hundreds, which makes them particularly annoying.  And like stink bugs, they will release a noxious chemical when startled.  Conifer Seed Bugs can be eliminated by similar means as stink bugs.

How do you keep these bugs out of your house?

Neither of theses pests is dangerous to humans.  Their existence inside your home is just a nuisance.  Take these simple steps to prevent marmorated stink bugs and Western Conifer Seed Bugs out of your home.

• Seal cracks around your home, including those found on or around your siding
• If you keep your windows up or doors open for fresh autumn air, be sure you have screens in place
• Check all your windows for potential broken caulk seals and have them repaired
• Check weather stripping around all your doors and replace if necessary