2013, A Bad Year for Stink Bugs?

Warmer weather comes with one very unpleasant consequence: Stink bugs according to ABC News. A break from the colder weather is drawing insects out; including Western Conifer Seed Bugs thinking it is summer. Although summer is a few months away, the warmer temperatures trick the insects into thinking summer is already here. 2013 has the potential to be a bad stink bug year.

Overwintering pests, including boxelder beetles, cluster flies, lady beetles, stink bugs and western conifer seed bug are not coming in, they are already inside and trying to come out because the weather is nice. While the bugs will not hurt you, they can cause damage destroying grape crops, apple crops, and peach crops. Overwintering pests do not do any damage to your home, but certainly a nuisance.

If you find any insects inside your home, catch them and release them back outdoors or just vacuum them up. Avoid squishing stink bugs as they give off an odor and they may leave a little brown stain on your wall.

There are some measures you can take to try to prevent overwintering pests from invading your home, according to Patch.com:

• Be sure to screen attic or wall vents, chimneys and fireplaces so you block their points of entry.
• Eliminate or caulk gaps around door and window frames and soffits.
• Tighten up loose-fitting screens, windows or doors to prevent these insects from getting into your home.
• Do not spray over the counter insecticide in your home as it is ineffective and not necessary.
• Do contact a pest control professional mid-August to early September to treat the outside portions of your home as a preventive measure.

Overwintering bugs hibernate in warm spaces during the winter inside buildings and then head back outdoors as the weather warms up, to breed so their numbers grow more and more each year. While the weather remained warmer for a few days, News 10 reports snow is on the way with cooler weather. This could lead to some insects dying out when it comes cold again, but the majority of the population will likely survive.

If overwintering pests are taking a winter vacation with you in your home, try our tips above before contacting a pest professional. Pests like asian lady beetles, boxedler beetles, cluster flies, rodents and stink bugs, protect themselves from the elements as temperatures cool. If your Chatham NY home requires cluster fly removal or stink bug removal it’s recommended to contact a professional exterminator. Thomas Pest Services is your Chatham NY Pest Removal Specialist along with protecting homes and families in the Capital Region area. Contact Thomas Pest Services for a no charge consultation today!