What Do Stink Bugs Look Like?
Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects that can release a foul smell to protect themselves from predators. The most common stink bug in Wisconsin is the brown marmorated stink bug. Adult stink bugs are about 3/4 inch long and grey-brown with irregular dark and light specks and bands on their abdomen and wings. They have a hard exoskeleton, six legs, two antennae, two pairs of wings, and a thin, pointed mouthpart.
What are the Signs of a Stink Bug Infestation?
Stink bugs are overwintering pests that seek shelter indoors during the cooler months. They gather in large numbers on the sunny exterior walls of homes and make their way inside through cracks around doors and windows. Once inside, they hibernate in attics, light fixtures, walls, and crawlspaces for the fall and winter. Stink bugs reappear again in the spring as the warm weather returns. On warm, sunny winter days, stink bugs may become active and gather around window sills to bask in the sun.
Stink Bug Control in Milwaukee, WI
Get rid of stink bugs with our professional pest control services! Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control offers stink bug control and extermination in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Our certified pest exterminators provide reliable, long-lasting solutions to eliminate stink bugs from your home and business. Our seasonal beetle treatments in fall and spring will ensure your property remains pest-free throughout the year.
How Can I Prevent Stink Bugs?
The following prevention tips will help deter stink bugs from your property.
- Repair or replace torn window or door screens.
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, and utility pipes.
- Place weather stripping around windows and doors.
- DON’T SQUISH!!! Use a vacuum to remove live or dead stink bugs!
Are Stink Bugs Harmful?
Stink bugs are primarily a nuisance pest, especially in the fall when they invade homes. They don’t damage property, eat human food, or lay eggs indoors. However, the sheer number of these bugs can annoy homeowners. When they die or are squashed, stink bugs emit a foul-smelling odor. These insects often die in light fixtures, filling rooms with an unpleasant smell that requires frequent cleanup by homeowners. Additionally, stink bugs can damage ornamental plants, fruits, and gardens.
Stink Bugs FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are stink bugs an invasive species in Wisconsin?
Yes, the brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species in Wisconsin. The insect is native to Asia and was introduced into the United States in the mid-1990s. The highest concentration of stink bugs is found in the mid-Atlantic region.
What do stink bugs eat?
Stink bugs feed on fruits, vegetables, berries, beans, and other insects. The brown marmorated stink bug is attracted to a wide variety of crops, including peaches, apples, pears, raspberries, soybeans, tomatoes, eggplants, and green peppers.
Why do stink bugs stink?
Yes, stink bugs can release foul-smelling chemicals from a gland in their abdomen as a defense mechanism to scare off predators. The smell is similar to pungent onions or cilantro. Avoid squishing stink bugs because the smell can linger for hours, and the liquid can stain fabrics.
Are stink bugs a threat to pets?
According to Dr. Franklin, a veterinarian at the Mid-Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, stink bugs aren’t poisonous, but their smelly secretions will irritate dogs’ and cats’ gastrointestinal tracts. This irritation may cause vomiting or excessive drooling. On rare occasions, stink bugs may cause allergic reactions when someone is highly allergic to the fluid they release.