Stink Bug Control In Baltimore MD

Do Stink Bugs In Baltimore Really Stink?

Stink bugs in Baltimore may be a mystifying pest to many, and residents may be wondering if stink bugs really stink. Unfortunately, this pest is worthy of its name and, whenever threatened, lets off a pretty unpleasant odor. This odor smells very similar to burnt tires but can also be woody, oily, or like cilantro, depending on the bug and the person’s olfactory senses. 

The aroma that stink bugs create they make in a gland on their abdomen. Some stink bugs may even be able to project this smelly chemical several inches away from them. Stink bugs will only release their unpleasant odor when they feel threatened or need to defend themselves. However, sharing your property in Baltimore MD with an infestation of this pest can accidentally result in plenty of threats to the stink bug and a home full of bad smells.

Contact Miche Pest Control for further assistance eliminating stink bug infestations that may be smelling up your Baltimore home.

Why Do Stink Bugs Get Into Baltimore MD Homes?

Brown marmorated stink bugs are one of the most common stink bugs found in and around homes throughout the United States. These small, shield-shaped pests are so common that it's almost hard to believe that they were unintentionally introduced to the United States and are native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Since their discovery in Pennsylvania in 1998, brown marmorated stink bugs have spread to many states throughout America.

Stink bugs are agricultural pests because they feed on a wide range of plants, including soybeans, corn, fruit, tomatoes, and even ornamental shrubs. As the weather grows cooler in late summer and early fall, stink bugs begin to search for a warm place to overwinter, a phase in which stink bugs are inactive and do not eat or reproduce. Unfortunately, your Baltimore home is often the perfect location for stink bugs to spend the winter. Although stink bugs are not dangerous pests and do not damage property, they can be a major nuisance when they invade your home. Not only can stink bugs make your Baltimore home smell unpleasant, but they can also fly around in your home with a loud buzz produced by their wings. If you're having issues with brown marmorated stink bugs in your property, the professionals here at Miche Pest Control can help. Get in touch with us today to get started with stink bug control!

5 Ways To Prevent Stink Bugs From Entering Your Home Or Business In Baltimore, MD

As evidenced by their name, stink bugs can emit an odor that can seriously ruin the mood. If you want to be diligent in your efforts to avoid stink bugs and prevent them from entering your property, there are some things you can do. Consider the following five tips when it comes to effective stink bug control:

1. Eliminate access to food sources, properly store, and maintain a high level of cleanliness. Make sure to vacuum regularly and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag.
2. Eliminate sources of excess moisture, fix leaky pipes and clogged drains, and install proper ventilation in moisture-rich areas.
3. Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum, or replace outdoor light bulbs with yellow, insect-resistant bulbs.
4. Replace and repair damaged screens in windows and doors, and be sure to install door sweeps, chimney screens, and attic vents.
5. Seal off entry points using caulk, foam, or weather stripping in easy access areas, such as siding and utility pipes, behind chimneys, underneath wood fascia and other openings.

For year-round protection from stink bugs, look no further than the team at Miche Pest Control. We offer comprehensive stink bug elimination and prevention services that guarantee protection from these stinky intruders. Call us today to get started, or book online!

When Are Stink Bugs Most Active In Baltimore?

Stink bugs in Baltimore make your home less than pleasant, thanks to the strong odor they emit as they crawl over things. That's why the first thing to understand is when they're most active, so you know when it's time to be extra vigilant.

The most active time of year for stink bugs is from March to September or spring and summer. However, warmer temperatures during the fall and winter can extend the length of time stink bugs remain active. If that happens, the stink bugs in your home can quickly grow out of control.

If you're ready to kick stink bugs in Baltimore to the curb forever, reach out to Miche Pest Control to discuss your stink bug control needs! Contact us today to get started!

Stink Bugs Can Be Active Year-Round In Baltimore

Stink bugs will typically start making their way indoors after the summer temperatures have peaked and autumn temperatures start setting in. In Baltimore, this is usually in mid-August or in September. They squeeze into the cracks and crevices around your home, looking for a warm place to overwinter.

After finding a place to overwinter, stink bugs may continue to remain active around the outside of the home until outside temperatures are consistently below 50 degrees. Around that point, stink bugs will enter diapause. Diapause is similar to hibernation; it slows down stink bugs’ metabolism, and they survive on energy and nutrients they stored during the warmer months in spring and summer.

Because stink bugs like to enter diapause while hiding in the walls of your warm home, they will sometimes exit diapause before winter is over. This usually happens on exceptionally warm days, but may be because the stink bugs were warmed and “activated” by the air that naturally flows in between the walls of your home. This is why it is common to see stink bugs inside the home during the winter months.

When winter is over and spring arrives, stink bugs will leave their hiding places in search of other stink bugs to mate with, and food sources to replenish the nutrients and energy they consumed during the winter. Stink bugs typically eat leaves, flowers, fruits, and crops, but can also feed on some other pests, like caterpillars. They are known to damage tomatoes and have caused major crop losses in orchards when left uncontrolled.

What All Baltimore MD Property Owners Should Know About Stink Bugs

The first thing that comes to mind about stink bugs is their very unpleasant odor. This horrid smell comes from the defensive spray that they produce to protect themselves from predators. When they feel threatened, they emit a stinky chemical from the glands in their abdomen and release it as a spray that can reach several inches.

Stink bugs mostly invade during the fall, as they search for a place to overwinter during the cold season. They enter structures in large numbers, and once they infest, they can be very hard to control. Although they don’t pose any health risks, the smell is definitely something you want to avoid.

When it comes to stink bugs, remember never to squish them. If you crush them, they release their putrid odor, and all of that stinky chemical spray is released. Needless to say, don’t step on them either. If you want dependable stink bug protection throughout the year, call us today. We’re highly skilled in exterminating and preventing these smelly intruders, and we’re ready to guard your property against the stink.