Every year when the weather cools down, there are two insects in particular that are more common than ever. While the stink bug and boxelder bug are primarily nuisance pests, no one wants these odorous bugs invading their property! During the fall in Georgia and Tennessee, these bugs will congregate on the side of your home, particularly on the south or west-facing walls. They may be an eye-sore outside, but the real trouble begins if and when they crawl inside your home. Both of these bugs emit a pungent odor when threatened—and you definitely don’t want your home smelling like them! The team at Active Pest Control has gathered expert information on these bugs—read on to learn how to identify boxelder bugs and stink bugs.

All About Boxelder Bugs & Stink Bugs

Both of these bugs will take advantage of any available crack and crevice in your home’s exterior to gain access to the warmth of your home. Adult stink and boxelder bugs will search for cracks and holes in walls, in window trim and molding, and in your foundation. Both of these pests can multiply and feed at a rapid rate. It’s important to understand how to identify boxelder bugs and stink bugs:

• Boxelder bug: These bugs have dark brown bodies with unique red markings. They emerge out of hibernation in the springtime. True to their name, they live in boxelder trees as well as maple, ash, and fruit trees.
• Stink bug: Their backs look like shields, and they can blend easily within foliage. If threatened, these bugs release an odor. There are two main types we see in the states: the brown marmorated stink bug and the green stink bug.

8 Tips to Prevent Stink Bugs & Boxelder Bugs

As with all pests, exclusion is the key. Try out the following tips and tricks to keep these odorous insects outside of your home:

1. Clean out any debris around the foundation of the house.
2. Trim back trees and bushes to keep all vegetation away from the perimeter of the home.
3. Clean and repair the corners of fences, decorative rocks, old piles of wood, and patio furniture.
4. Replace torn screens on windows and doors.
5. Check the caulk around the molding of the windows and vents.
6. Repair any cracks in stucco and bricks.
7. Seal up cracks around roof soffits, windows, siding, and foundation.
8. Consider using low-pressure sodium exterior lighting, as UV rays attract the insects.

Professional Help for Fall Invaders

The last thing you need to deal with this time of year is a pest infestation. Although stink bugs and boxelder bugs won’t endanger your family, they will be very difficult to get rid of without the help of an exterminator! Contact the team at Active Pest Control today to learn how we can help with those bugs on the side of your home.