As we move into the colder autumn and winter months, you may start to notice uninvited pests in your home, such as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. Whilst this bug is not a threat to you, your pets or your property, it is an unpleasant nuisance that you certainly don’t want hanging around.

Thankfully, stink bugs are very unlikely to lay eggs in your home, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a problem. If you are concerned about brown marmorated stink bugs coming inside your property this autumn/winter, keep reading to find out how to deal with them.

What keeps stink bugs away?

There are a number of simple steps you can take to deter stink bugs from entering your property:

Secure your property

One of the easiest ways stink bugs and other pests can enter your property is through cracks, holes and any unsecured area that leads into your home. As winter approaches, it is always advised to check the exterior of your property for damage, and by sealing any holes and cracks in your bricks, pipes, windows and other areas, you should help prevent entry.

Reduce Outdoor Lighting

Whilst it is nice to light up your property as it gets darker earlier, it is always recommended to keep outdoor lighting to a minimum to deter stink bugs. Small fairy lights in your garden may not cause too much of an issue, but large amounts of light from windows spilling outside will attract unwanted guests. Drawings curtains and pulling down blinds are the best way to keep stink bugs and other pest species away.

Remove Food

Just as with any pest, stink bugs are looking for a place with a good source of food and shelter, so eliminating any potential food sources is key. Try to ensure no food is left out in your kitchen, there are no food spillages or crumbs anywhere, and any of your food is stored in airtight containers. Ensuring that your bins are not easily accessible will also help to reduce unwanted pests. The aim is to create an inhospitable environment for a stink bug looking to hibernate for the winter.

Inspect Belongings

When bringing anything into the house from the outside, you should always check for brown marmorated stink bugs. Whether you are carrying in Halloween decorations or bags from the supermarket, it is crucial to inspect for pests thoroughly. It is very easy for brown marmorated stink bugs to stay hidden in fresh fruits and vegetables or on objects from outside until it is safe for them to nest once inside your home.

Don’t Squish Them!

If you come across a brown marmorated stink bug, your instinct may be to squish it, but this is the last thing you should do. When these pests feel threatened or are squashed, they will release a foul-smelling odour that many compare to skunks, rotten eggs or sewage. Naturally, this is the last smell you want in your home, but more importantly, the chemical released can attract other stink bugs to your property!

BMSB Fumigation Services

Whilst Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs may seem harmless to your property, to the agricultural industry these can be a serious problem. It is common practice for exporting countries to have goods fumigated, and our team can treat goods in containers or under sheets across the country.

If you would like to know more about our UK Fumigation Services or have any questions, speak with our team today on 01513456854 or email us at info@urbanhawks.co.uk.