Stink Bug Control: East Lake, FL’s Trusted Solution

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in East Lake, FL

If you see a bug in your home, your first instinct may be to grab something and squish it. However, squashing a stink bug releases its foul odor, which not only smells bad but can also attract more stink bugs to the area.

A better way to remove stink bugs is to vacuum them up and then empty the vacuum bag outside, far from your home. You can also create a light trap by placing a light over a pan of soapy water. Stink bugs will be drawn to the light and drown in the water.

If you suspect a stink bug infestation, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent more from entering your home. In East Lake, common entry points include damaged screens, gaps in walls, roof vents, and chimneys. Sealing these entry points with caulk or weatherstripping will help prevent stink bugs from entering.

The most effective way to rid your home of stink bugs is to enlist the help of a professional pest control service. All U Need Pest Control offers comprehensive inspections and treatments to eliminate stink bugs. We guarantee fast response times, and we’ll respond to your inquiry within 48 hours, saving you the hassle of handling the pests yourself.

Types of Stink Bugs in East Lake, FL

There are approximately 2,000 species of stink bugs worldwide, with about 225 species found in North America. These bugs vary in size, color, and behavior, so it’s important to identify which ones are harmful and which ones are beneficial.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

In East Lake, the most common species of stink bug to invade homes is the brown marmorated stink bug. These pests can grow up to 17mm in length and range in color from dark red to black. They have white bands on their legs and antennae and alternating dark and light bands on their abdomen.

This stink bug species originated in Asia and has caused significant agricultural damage in the U.S. They feed on crops such as apples, grapes, peaches, peppers, and tomatoes, making the produce unmarketable.

Rough Stink Bug

Rough stink bugs blend into their surroundings, often resembling tree bark with their rugged gray and black appearance. These bugs can grow up to an inch long and have spines projecting from their shoulder areas.

Unlike other species, rough stink bugs are not considered pests. In fact, they are beneficial to the East Lake ecosystem, as they feed on harmful insects like caterpillars and beetles.

Green Stink Bug

Green stink bugs are common in East Lake and across North America. Adults are solid light green, with a thin yellow, orange, or red border around their shield. These bugs can grow up to three-fourths of an inch long.

Green stink bugs damage fruits and plants. One common sign of their presence is recessed areas on fruit, known as “catfacing,” which occurs when the fruit’s cells are damaged.

Southern Green Stink Bug

Southern green stink bugs are another common species in East Lake, FL. Adults are bright green, though they start life as black nymphs. These bugs can grow over half an inch long, and their antennae usually feature alternating dark and light bands. Southern green stink bugs are often mistaken for green stink bugs.

These pests feed on crops such as peaches, tomatoes, and cotton, as well as seeds like pecans and soybeans. Their saliva is toxic to developing fruits, causing deformities or even killing the fruit.

Spined Soldier Stink Bug

Spined soldier stink bugs are beneficial insects in East Lake’s ecosystem. They have a pale brown, gray, tan, or dark brown shield and grow up to 10mm long. Their pointed shoulders give them their name.

Unlike other stink bugs, spined soldier stink bugs feed on harmful insects like caterpillars and beetles, making them helpful to local farmers and gardeners.

How to Prevent Stink Bug Infestations in East Lake, FL

Preventing stink bugs from entering your East Lake home can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. Stink bugs typically seek refuge indoors during the cooler fall and winter months, so it’s best to prepare early.

• Check for possible entry points and seal areas with gaps.
• Replace damaged screens and ensure all windows and doors close tightly.
• Look for cracks or gaps in walls, especially around pipes or outlets.
• Close up these crevices with weather stripping or caulk.

Maintaining a dry indoor environment is also important. Stink bugs prefer moist environments, so using dehumidifiers and ensuring proper ventilation in basements, attics, and crawl spaces can help. Regularly prune and clean indoor plants, and quarantine new plants before bringing them into your home.

Outside your home, reduce clutter such as overgrown weeds, fallen leaves, and old flower pots, as these provide hiding spots for stink bugs. Trimming bushes, shrubs, and tree branches to prevent contact with your home will also help.