Stink Bug Control: Lakewood Ranch, FL’s Trusted Solution

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in Lakewood Ranch, FL

Most people’s first instinct when they see a bug inside their home is to squish it with a shoe, newspaper, or tissue. However, squishing a stink bug can make the situation worse. When threatened or crushed, stink bugs release a powerful odor that can not only linger but also attract more stink bugs to the area.

A more effective way to physically remove a stink bug from your home is to vacuum it up and empty the vacuum bag outside, far from your property. Another option is to create a simple light trap. By placing a light over a pan of soapy water, you can lure the bugs toward the light and cause them to fall into the water, where they will drown.

If you suspect a stink bug infestation, taking preventive steps is essential to keep more from entering your home. The first step is to seal off potential entry points. Stink bugs are known to enter through damaged window screens, gaps in walls, and other small openings around windows, doors, and vents. Sealing these areas with caulking, weather stripping, or mesh can go a long way in keeping stink bugs out.

Still, the best way to ensure your home is free of stink bugs is to call in professional pest control. At All U Need Pest Control, we guarantee satisfaction and will send a pest control technician to inspect your home within 48 hours. We’ll ensure your home is stink bug-free, saving you the hassle of traps and DIY methods that may not be fully effective.

Types of Stink Bugs in Lakewood Ranch, FL

There are over 2,000 species of stink bugs worldwide, and around 225 of these species are found in North America. Stink bugs come in a variety of colors, sizes, and features, and while some species are pests, others are beneficial. Let’s explore the most common stink bug species in Lakewood Ranch, FL, and understand which ones are harmful.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

If stink bugs have invaded your home, the culprit is likely the brown marmorated stink bug. This species is among the most common invaders in homes across Lakewood Ranch. Brown marmorated stink bugs are larger than many other species, growing up to 17 mm in length. Their coloration typically ranges from dark red to brown and black, with white bands on their legs and antennae.

This invasive species is native to Asia but has caused significant agricultural damage since its arrival in the U.S. Brown marmorated stink bugs are known to feast on high-value crops like apples, grapes, peppers, and tomatoes, making the produce unsellable and spreading plant diseases.

Rough Stink Bug

The rough stink bug is a bit harder to spot because it blends in with the bark of trees. These bugs are rugged in appearance, often a mixture of gray and black, which allows them to camouflage easily in their surroundings. Adult rough stink bugs can grow up to one inch long, and they have spines that project from their shoulders, distinguishing them from other, rounder stink bug species.

Unlike many other stink bugs, rough stink bugs are not considered pests. In fact, they are often beneficial because they prey on harmful insects like caterpillars and beetles, acting as natural pest control agents in the environment.

Green Stink Bug

Another common species in Lakewood Ranch, FL is the green stink bug, which is a solid light green color. These bugs have a distinctive thin yellow, orange, or red line that borders their shield, which differentiates them from the closely related southern green stink bug. Green stink bugs can grow up to three-fourths of an inch in length.

Green stink bugs are pests that cause damage to fruits and plants, often resulting in a condition called “catfacing”. This refers to recessed or deformed areas on fruit caused by the stink bugs feeding on them. This type of damage can make the fruit unsellable and have a significant impact on local agriculture.

Southern Green Stink Bug

The southern green stink bug is another common species found in Lakewood Ranch. These bugs are bright green as adults, though they start out black when born. Southern green stink bugs can grow to be over half an inch long and have dark antennae with lighter bands.

These pests feed on crops like peaches, tomatoes, cotton, pecans, and soybeans. When they target developing fruit, they inject it with toxic saliva, which kills parts of the fruit’s cells, causing deformed growth. If they feed on nearly ripe fruit, their saliva causes hard masses to form within the fruit, making it unsellable.

Spined Soldier Stink Bug

The spined soldier stink bug is a smaller species, growing up to 10 mm in length. These bugs are pale brown, gray, or tan and have pointed shoulders, giving them their name.

Spined soldier stink bugs are beneficial to the environment because, like the rough stink bug, they prey on harmful insects such as caterpillars and beetles, rather than going after fruits and crops. Because of this, many people view them as helpful in controlling pest populations naturally.

How to Prevent Stink Bug Infestations in Lakewood Ranch, FL

While getting rid of stink bugs is important, prevention is the key to keeping your home stink bug-free. In Lakewood Ranch, stink bugs are most likely to invade your home during the cooler fall and winter months, so it’s important to prepare early.

Here’s a list of steps you can take to prevent stink bugs from entering your home:

• Check for potential entry points and seal any gaps with caulk or weather stripping.
• Replace damaged window screens and ensure that doors and windows close tightly.
• Inspect walls for cracks or gaps, particularly around pipes or electrical outlets.
• Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these crevices.

Additionally, maintaining the indoor environment can discourage stink bugs from settling in your home. Stink bugs are attracted to moisture, so using dehumidifiers and ensuring proper ventilation in areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces can help. Make sure to prune and clean indoor plants regularly, and consider quarantining any new plants before adding them to your collection to prevent pests from spreading.

To prevent stink bugs from infesting the area outside your home, remove clutter such as old flower pots, fallen leaves, and overgrown weeds. Trim shrubs and bushes so they don’t touch the house, as stink bugs can use them as entry points.