Stink bugs are an increasingly common nuisance in homes, especially in the Pacific Northwest. They first appeared in the PNW in the early 2000s, and they’ve been bugging us ever since!  If you have had to ask yourself, “How do I get rid of stink bugs in the house?” you’re in the right place. At Pest Pros, we offer practical tips and expert services to help you keep these odorous intruders at bay.

Learn everything you need to know about stink bugs, the importance of stink bug infestation prevention, and find some at-home remedies. But what if you already have a stink bug infestation? The sooner you contact a professional pest control company, the better! Pest Pros is here to help Seattle & Portland homeowners rid their homes of stink bugs today. Contact us today.

Understanding Stink Bug Infestations 

Stink bugs, also known as the brown marmorated stink bug, are shield-shaped insects that measure about 1.7 cm in length and are identifiable by their mottled brown color and distinctive white bands on their antennae. Adult stink bugs are good fliers and fold their wings on top of their body when they land. Once you see one in your home, you won’t forget what they look like.

While they don’t cause harm to humans, they can be a nuisance by emitting a foul odor when they sense danger or when they’re squished. They invade homes in large numbers and cause damage to fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, which is especially unideal for all plant lovers. Their presence inside homes is primarily a concern during the colder months when they seek shelter. Learn more about the increase of stink bugs in the PNW in this video.

Common Reasons You May Find Stink Bugs In The House

These little guys are not the house guests you’re looking for. Stink bugs come indoors to seek refuge during the cold, rainy winter months. As temperatures drop, these insects look for warm places to overwinter, often finding their way into homes through small cracks and openings. 

They remain dormant through the winter, then become active again in the spring when they move back outside to feed and reproduce. This seasonal cycle is particularly noticeable in the PNW due to our climate, resulting in increased indoor infestations in fall and spring. So, now you know why they come into your home, let’s talk about how to get rid of stink bugs. 

Stink Bug Prevention

Don’t have any stink bugs in your home? Good, let’s keep it that way. You can try several DIY prevention methods for stink bug prevention. 

• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations with caulk or weather stripping. 
• Install screens on windows and vents, and repair any damaged ones. 
• Reduce outdoor lighting on your porch or near your house, as stink bugs are attracted to light.
• Remove food sources left outside such as overripe fruit or trash. 
• Avoid chemical insecticides indoors! Many products do not successfully kill the pest, and they may reappear after a few days. Dead stink bugs can attract other insects that feed on their remains. If you manage to kill the stink bugs, clean the area to ensure no other pest infestations occur.

Although these DIY methods may be helpful, they may only be somewhat effective. Pest Pros always recommends working with a professional pest control company to ensure the job is done right and your home remains stink-bug-free. 

How Serious is a Stink Bug Infestation?

They often enter through small cracks and crevices, and once inside, they may gather in large numbers, particularly around windows, doors, and light fixtures. 

Their presence can increase rapidly during the fall as they seek warmth for overwintering. Early detection and removal are crucial to prevent a full-blown infestation. While they may not multiply indoors, their presence can still become overwhelming if not addressed promptly. 

Get Rid of Stink Bugs In The House & Keep Them Out!

So, those little pests made their way into your home. What now? That’s what Pest Pros is here for. Our stink bug infestation service provides solutions to keep your spaces free of pests that are effective and safe for you and the animals in your home. 

Pest Pros begins with a thorough inspection of your home and the stink bug infestation. Depending on the intensity of the issue and the cause of the infestation, the next steps may vary.

Pest exclusion, which is the process of limiting the access a pest has to an area, is an important step in getting rid of stink bugs in the house. We implement the least invasive treatment needed and off further maintenance appointments as needed. No more stink bugs in the house on our watch!

Call Pest Pros For Stink Bug Infestation Services

As the weather begins to cool down, stink bugs are the last thing you need to worry about in your home. As a team of licensed and local professionals who have extensive knowledge in pest control, we are happy to aid your stink bug infestation.

Unfortunately, stink bugs aren’t the only pests we have to deal with in the PNW. If you’re experiencing issues with other unwanted pests like spiders, flies, or bugs – we can help. Check out all of our services and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 

Our service areas include Seattle, Everett, Marysville, Tacoma, Puyallup, Federal Way, Olympia, Portland, and more! Not sure if we service your area? Give us a call at 866-686-3118 to learn more and schedule a free estimate today. We hope to hear from you soon!

Interested in learning more about pest control and prevention of pests in your home? Read more about spider control, ant infestations, getting rid of wasp nests, and more on our Blog.