Stink bugs settle into homes across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana
Updated: 9:29 AM EDT Oct 8, 2021
They're back. Creepy-crawly stink bugs are currently infesting homes across the area, expelling pungent fumes whenever anyone inadvertently squashes the aptly named pests. As temperatures begin to trend down, so move in the dreaded stink bugs.According to Jonathan L. Larson, assistant professor of extension entomology at the University of Kentucky, the stinky pests are currently taking over showers, beds and other warm places inside of homes across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. He said, during the summer they're agricultural pests, feeding on numerous crops, including apples and peppers and corn. But as autumn comes around, they need a place winter, and that's why they start looking at your house."They see our homes as sort of a deluxe set of logs and rocks that are heated, that will protect them from the long winter," Larson said.The good news is they likely aren't duplicating in your home."Once they get inside, they aren't looking to feed or mate but simply to wait out the cold weather," Larson said.Eventually, when it gets warmer, they will leave on their own. Here is what you can do to lower the number of stink bugs in your home:Try to prevent an infestation. First check doors, windows, attics and crawl spaces for cracks and torn screens, Orkin advises. Use caulk to plug small gaps, weather stripping to seal exterior doors and screens to block off vents. Some homeowners claim that rubbing screens with fragrant dryer sheets will also reduce an invasion by up to 80%, according to Bayer Advanced.Sweep them up. If the bugs have already found their way indoors, use a dustpan to sweep them up and into the toilet instead of squishing.Vacuum them. You can also vacuum stink bugs and dispose of the bag immediately to help reduce the odor.Drown them in soapy water. Another method is drowning via soapy water. Just choose a straight-sided container so they can't climb out.
They're back.
Creepy-crawly stink bugs are currently infesting homes across the area, expelling pungent fumes whenever anyone inadvertently squashes the aptly named pests.
As temperatures begin to trend down, so move in the dreaded stink bugs.
According to Jonathan L. Larson, assistant professor of extension entomology at the University of Kentucky, the stinky pests are currently taking over showers, beds and other warm places inside of homes across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
He said, during the summer they're agricultural pests, feeding on numerous crops, including apples and peppers and corn. But as autumn comes around, they need a place winter, and that's why they start looking at your house.
"They see our homes as sort of a deluxe set of logs and rocks that are heated, that will protect them from the long winter," Larson said.
The good news is they likely aren't duplicating in your home.
"Once they get inside, they aren't looking to feed or mate but simply to wait out the cold weather," Larson said.
Eventually, when it gets warmer, they will leave on their own.
Here is what you can do to lower the number of stink bugs in your home:
- Try to prevent an infestation. First check doors, windows, attics and crawl spaces for cracks and torn screens, Orkin advises. Use caulk to plug small gaps, weather stripping to seal exterior doors and screens to block off vents. Some homeowners claim that rubbing screens with fragrant dryer sheets will also reduce an invasion by up to 80%, according to Bayer Advanced.
- Sweep them up. If the bugs have already found their way indoors, use a dustpan to sweep them up and into the toilet instead of squishing.
- Vacuum them. You can also vacuum stink bugs and dispose of the bag immediately to help reduce the odor.
- Drown them in soapy water. Another method is drowning via soapy water. Just choose a straight-sided container so they can't climb out.
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