Stink Bug Control: Manatee County, FL's Trusted Solution

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in Manatee County, FL

If you spot a stink bug in your home, your first instinct may be to squash it, but doing so releases their foul odor and can attract even more stink bugs. Instead, the best method to physically remove a stink bug is to vacuum it up and then immediately dispose of the vacuum bag outside, far away from your home.

Another method that works well in Manatee County is creating a light trap. By placing a light over a pan filled with soapy water, stink bugs are attracted to the light, fall into the water, and drown. This can help you manage these pests during peak infestation times.

To prevent more stink bugs from getting into your home, seal off their potential entry points. Common entryways in Manatee County include damaged screens, gaps around windows and doors, roof vents, and cracks around chimneys. By sealing these areas with caulking or weatherstripping, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of stink bugs entering your home.

The most effective way to rid your home of stink bugs is to hire professional pest control services. All U Need Pest Control offers prompt and guaranteed solutions, responding to your inquiries within 48 hours. Our pest control experts will rid your home of stink bugs quickly and efficiently, saving you from the hassle of trying DIY methods that may not be as effective.

Types of Stink Bugs in Manatee County, FL

Stink bugs come in many different species, with around 225 species found in North America. These bugs can vary in size, color, and features, and not all of them are pests. Identifying the specific types of stink bugs in Manatee County is crucial for effective control.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

The brown marmorated stink bug is the most likely culprit if stink bugs have invaded your home in Manatee County. These bugs are larger than many other stink bug species, growing up to 17mm in length. They range in color from dark red and brown to black, with lighter coloring underneath. You can recognize them by the white bands on their legs and antennae, as well as the alternating dark and light bands on their abdomen.

This species is originally from Asia and has caused significant agricultural damage in the U.S. since its arrival. Brown marmorated stink bugs are known to feed on high-value crops such as apples, grapes, peaches, peppers, and tomatoes, making these products unsellable and damaging the plants they infest.

Rough Stink Bug

Rough stink bugs are harder to spot because they blend into their environment. These stink bugs have a rugged appearance, often blending in with tree bark, and they are gray and black in color. Rough stink bugs can grow up to an inch long and are distinguished by spines protruding from their shoulder areas.

Unlike other stink bugs, rough stink bugs are beneficial. They feed on harmful pests such as caterpillars, beetles, and soft-bodied insects, effectively reducing the damage to your plants and garden.

Green Stink Bug

The green stink bug is commonly found across Manatee County, FL. These bugs are light green and can grow up to three-fourths of an inch long. Unlike the southern green stink bug, green stink bugs have a thin yellow, orange, or red border around their shield-shaped bodies.

Green stink bugs can cause significant damage to fruits and vegetables. One of the common ways they harm fruit is through a process called “catfacing,” which leads to recessed areas in the fruit caused by the bug’s feeding on deformed plant cells.

Southern Green Stink Bug

The southern green stink bug is another species commonly found in Manatee County. These bugs start life as black but turn bright green as adults. They can grow to over half an inch in length and are often mistaken for the green stink bug. Southern green stink bugs are known for the dark bands on their antennae.

This species feeds on peaches, tomatoes, cotton, pecans, and soybeans, among other crops. Their feeding can cause significant damage to fruit, especially as it develops. When they feed on developing fruit, their saliva can cause it to die prematurely, resulting in a deformed fruit. They also leave behind hard masses in nearly ripe fruit by killing small portions of the plant cells.

Spined Soldier Stink Bug

The spined soldier stink bug is another species you may encounter in Manatee County, FL. These stink bugs are smaller, growing up to 10mm in length, and are pale brown, gray, tan, or dark brown in color. They are identified by the sharp, pointed shoulders for which they are named.

Unlike other species, spined soldier stink bugs are considered beneficial. They prey on pests like caterpillars and beetles rather than damaging fruits and plants, making them helpful for agricultural purposes.

How to Prevent Stink Bug Infestations in Manatee County, FL

Preventing stink bugs from entering your Manatee County home is the best defense. These pests tend to seek shelter indoors during the cooler fall and winter months, so it’s essential to take preventive measures early.

Here’s how you can keep stink bugs out of your home:

• Inspect your home for any potential entry points and seal gaps.
• Replace damaged window screens and make sure all windows and doors are tightly sealed.
• Look for cracks or gaps around walls, pipes, or outlets, and seal them with weather stripping or caulk.
• Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in basements, attics, or crawl spaces, and ensure proper ventilation.

Maintaining your outdoor environment is just as crucial. Removing clutter, such as fallen leaves, overgrown weeds, and old flower pots, will reduce hiding spots for stink bugs. Trim back bushes, shrubs, and tree branches to prevent them from making contact with your house.