Stink Bug Invasion!

Every fall we are bombarded with calls and e-mails from desperate homeowners that have been plagued by hordes of stink bugs in and around the house!

They seem to be particularly bad this year! They are often seen congregating in great masses on window screens probably because this is an easy place for them to land. Once one lands, it releases a pheromone which attracts all the others in the neighborhood - so it seems!

How can you deal with them?

• Stink bugs like to hide in the leaves and other debris that may accumulate around the base of your house. If you rake up this debris, you will remove these hiding places and this may help to control the masses!
• Carefully examine the foundation and around windows and doors for cracks and crevices where they can sneak into the house. They will seek out these entry points in an attempt to find overwintering sites. Use caulk and weather stripping to seal any cracks.
• If you find them in the house, the safest way to get rid of them is to use your vacuum cleaner to suck them up. Be sure to discard the bag when you are finished!  
• There are some safe products that can be used in and around your home. EcoSMART Home Pest Control and Bayer Advanced Natria Home Pest Control are safe to use around children and pets.

ALWAYS READ and FOLLOW the LABEL directions when using any pesticides.