The dreaded Stinkbug, we’ve all seen them and most of us have had the unfortunate experience of smelling their offensive odor, but luckily they are harmless to us and our homes. Their official name is the “Brown Marmorated Stink Bug” and they were originally only found in China, Taiwan and Japan, but somehow they ended up in the US, most likely hitching a ride in shipping crates from those countries. They are found mostly on the eastern seaboard but are also spreading to the southern and midwest states as well. Although strictly a nuisance to homeowners, they are actually a major agricultural pest and have already caused significant damage to apple and pear farms in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia.
Prevention
Currently there are no truly efficient ways to control stink bugs, although some pest companies will apply a chemical treatment to the perimeter of the home, the results are usually short-lived and the treatment has to be done when the stink bugs are first spotted, which may be too late. Prevention can be achieved by sealing all potential entry points which is a good idea from an energy conservation standpoint and it will also prevent possible moisture intrusion. Chcek out the list of possible entry points and the best way to seal them and feel free to let me know if I missed any or you have any suggestions! Although some people recommend vacuuming up stink bugs as a means of disposal, be sure to empty or change the bag on your vacuum as soon as you are done, otherwise your vacuum will smell of stink bug for a long time.
- Windows: Caulk any gaps on the interior and exterior
- Entry Doors: Weatherstripping around the door and install door sweeps if needed at the bottom
- Utility Entry Points: Caulk around the entry points for the cable line, electrical service entrance, gas service entrance and water service entrance(usually below ground)
- Siding Penetrations & Foundation Cracks: Caulk any small entry points and fill larger gaps or holes with steel wool before caulking
- Vegetation & Debris: Remove any debris in and vegetation creating to at least 12 inches away from the siding or foundation
- Fireplace: Be sure to keep your fireplace damper closed when not it use & be prepared for stinkbugs to fall into your fireplace or wood stove when opening the damper for the first time in the winter or fall season
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Dunellen, Green Brook, Middlesex, Bridgewater, North Plainfield, Warren, Watchung, Somerville, Montgomery, Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, Whitehouse, Readington, Flemington, Skillman, Princeton, Piscataway, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, East Brunswick, Milltown, Sayreville, Old Bridge, Kendall Park, Metuchen, Edison, Branchburg, Bernardsville Basking Ridge, Belle Mead, Bedminster
Cooper Inspection Services, LLC
Address:
601 Rte 206 Suite 26-410
Hillsborough NJ 08844
Email:
brian@cooperinspection.com
Phone number:
908-335-0163