How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in Southern Ontario
Stink bugs, also known as shield bugs, are a common household pest that emit a foul odour when threatened or squished. These insects belong to the family Pentatomidae and are typically brown or green in colour with a distinct shield-shaped body. Known for their distinct scent and ability to infest homes and gardens, stink bugs are a nuisance to deal with. Understanding their behaviour and habits and how to effectively control and eliminate infestations is crucial for homeowners and gardeners.
Species of Stink Bugs Found in Southern Ontario
In southern Ontario, two main species of stink bugs are commonly found: the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and the green stink bug (Chinavia hilaris).
Due to its distinctive shield shape and brown colour, the brown marmorated stink bug is easy to identify. It goes through a life cycle of egg, nymph, and adulthood and can produce multiple generations in a year. Outdoors, it feeds on a wide variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, causing damage by piercing the plant tissue and sucking out the juices, which can lead to distorted or damaged fruits and vegetables.
The green stink bug is bright green and shield-shaped, with distinct antenna bands. Like the brown marmorated stink bug, it also goes through a similar life cycle and causes similar damage to crops by piercing and sucking plant juices.
Both species of stink bugs have the potential to significantly impact agricultural produce in southern Ontario, causing economic losses for farmers. It is important for growers to monitor for stink bug infestations and implement appropriate control measures to protect their crops.
Stink Bugs Often Find Their way Into Homes
While stink bugs primarily inhabit agricultural fields and gardens, they can also make their way indoors. Stink bugs are mostly active during the warmer months, but they may still find their way inside during the winter to escape the cold, seeking shelter and food.
A common hiding spot for stink bugs in homes is in dark corners, such as those found in closets, basements, attics, or unused rooms. These areas provide them with the darkness and seclusion they seek, making it easier for them to find a safe place to rest during the day.
Their affinity for houseplants makes them troublesome. Stink bugs are known to feed on a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. When they invade a home, they may target houseplants as a food source, causing damage to the leaves and fruits. This can be particularly frustrating for plant enthusiasts who have spent time and effort cultivating their indoor gardens.
Prevention Tips
To prevent stink bugs from infesting your home, it is crucial to take some preventive measures. Start by sealing any cracks or openings in windows, doors, and foundation walls, as these are common entry points for these pests. Installing screens on windows and doors can also act as a barrier to keep stink bugs out while still allowing fresh air to circulate.
In severe cases, where stink bugs become a persistent problem, it may be necessary to consult with a professional pest control service. They can provide targeted treatments to eliminate the infestation and offer exclusion services to prevent future invasions.
Eliminate Attraction Points
Stink bugs are attracted to homes for various reasons. Here are a few factors that can draw them in:
1. Warmth
Stink bugs are attracted to warm environments, particularly during the colder months. They seek shelter and warmth, making your home an appealing destination.
2. Light
Stink bugs are attracted to light sources. They may be drawn to well-lit areas outside your home, such as porch lights or windows, and then find their way inside.
3. Food Sources
Stink bugs are plant feeders, and they are particularly attracted to fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. The nearby food sources may entice stink bugs if you have a garden or fruit trees.
4. Entry Points
Stink bugs can enter your home through small cracks, gaps, or openings in doors, windows, or foundations. If your home has easy access points, it increases the likelihood of stink bugs finding their way inside.
Seal Off Potential Access
To prevent stink bugs from entering your home, start by using good silicone or silicone-latex caulk to seal off any apparent cracks or holes around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, and other openings. Make sure the caulk is applied thoroughly and smoothly to create a tight seal. Check that weather-stripping is properly installed around windows and doors to further prevent bugs from entering. Inspect and repair any torn window screens or openings around vents, as these can also serve as entry points for pests.
Install Outdoor Lighting Away From Electrical Outlets and Light Fixtures
If you want to install outdoor lighting away from electrical outlets and light fixtures to minimize stink bug attraction, follow these steps. First, position the lights at a distance from the house to reduce the likelihood of stink bugs being drawn towards it. Use yellow bulbs for the outdoor lighting, as these are less attractive to stink bugs compared to white or bright lights.
Ensure that the lighting does not spill onto the house, as this can attract stink bugs. Consider using motion sensor lights to limit the time the lights are on, reducing the overall attraction for stink bugs. By following these steps and using proper precautions, you can effectively install outdoor lighting away from electrical outlets and light fixtures to minimize stink bug attraction.
Soapy Water Mixture for Killing Adult Stink Bugs
To create a soapy water mixture for killing adult stink bugs, start by filling a spray bottle with water. Add a small amount of dish soap to the water and shake the bottle gently to mix the two together. Once the soapy water mixture is ready, you can use it to effectively kill adult stink bugs without causing the strong odour that crushing them may produce.
When you spot adult stink bugs in your home or garden, simply spray the soapy water mixture directly on them to ensure they are covered completely. This will prevent them from escaping and effectively kill them. Be sure to target the stink bugs directly with the spray to maximize the efficiency of the mixture.
Using this soapy water mixture is a safe and effective way to get rid of adult stink bugs without the need for harsh chemicals or pesticides. Remember to reapply the mixture as needed until all the stink bugs have been eliminated. This method is environmentally friendly and poses no harm to humans or pets.
Eliminating Food Sources and Breeding Sites
To eliminate food sources and breeding sites for stink bugs, it is important to store food in airtight containers to prevent access. This includes keeping pantry items, pet food, and other edible products in sealed containers to limit the stink bugs’ access to food. Additionally, disposing of garbage in sealed receptacles will help prevent stink bugs from feeding and breeding in trash.
Regularly wiping down counters and sweeping floors to remove crumbs and spills is also crucial in removing potential food sources for stink bugs. This will not only eliminate their access to food but also reduce breeding areas. It is important to consistently maintain these practices to effectively control stink bug infestations.
Trust Icon Pest to Remove and Exclude Stink Bugs from Your Home
If DIY efforts fail or you don’t want to do the task yourself, consider hiring Icon Pest to help you get rid of the pests. We have the resources and expertise to help property owners eliminate stink bugs from their homes. Our team of experienced service technicians offers comprehensive services that include integrated pest management strategies, such as exclusion, and chemical applications where required. Icon Pest also uses non-chemical methods like natural repellents and manually removing stink bugs and will take measures to seal entry points to prevent their reentry.
By trusting Icon Pest to get rid of stink bugs, you can rest assured that your home is protected from further infestations. Our team of highly trained professionals will use their expertise and the latest tools and technology to effectively remove stink bugs from your property. With our help, you can enjoy a safe and pest-free home once again!
Contact us for a free inspection and quote for service.
Are you or someone you know looking for a professional bed bug exterminator service in Toronto or the GTA? To book an appointment for a no-obligation quote for bed bug removal in Toronto as well as neighboring cities in the GTA, get in touch with us today. You can call us at (647) 325 9060 or email info@iconpest.ca.
Contact us for a free inspection and quote for service.