Rest assured that box elder bugs and stink bugs aren’t typically the cause of any structural damage to your home, but they are a common nuisance pest. They tend to thrive here in Thurston County and around the South Sound area. They can become pretty annoying when large numbers start throwing a party on your siding, windows, and doorways — especially in the fall.
As temperatures begin to cool in the fall, both box elder bugs and the brown marmorated stink bug (an invasive species) start looking for places to spend the winter. They’re drawn to the warmth and protection of our homes and cluster where it’s sunny and there are plenty of tiny gaps to squeeze into. In our mild climate, this clustering behavior usually lasts for a few weeks.
When Box Elder Bugs and Stink Bugs Become a Problem
Unlike many other pests we deal with at Spectrum Pest Management, the good news is that these insects aren’t trying to live in your home as long as they can or reproduce indoors. But, when they show up in large numbers, they can be a nuisance.
Stink bugs can also release an unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed, which is how they got their name. Box elder bugs don’t smell as strong, but they can leave behind stains on walls, curtains, or window frames.
Where These Bugs Come From
Box elder bugs are often found near box elder, maple, and ash trees. They love to snack on the seeds and sap. Stink bugs are more general feeders and can be found around gardens, landscaping, and other types of green areas.
As the seasons change, both of these bugs start moving away from dwindling outdoor food sources and begin searching for warm places to spend the winter.
How to Reduce the Risk of Swarms
To keep box elder bugs and stink bugs away, it all comes down to prevention and exclusion. Once they’ve made it inside wall voids, these critters can be difficult to fully remove, so stopping them before they get in is our first priority.
Some helpful prevention steps include:
Contact Us for a Practical Approach to Box Elder and Stink Bug Control
Exterior treatments when needed, sealing entry points, and monitoring activity all play a role in keeping box elder bug and stink bug populations under control.
If you’re noticing large numbers of box elder bugs or stink bugs around your home, contact us at Spectrum Pest Management. Addressing the problem early in the season and during seasonal changes can make a big difference. A few small exclusion improvements or repairs to your home can go a long way toward keeping box elder bugs and stink bugs outside where they belong.
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