Stink Bug Control: Melbourne, FL's Trusted Solution

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in Melbourne, FL

When you see a stink bug in your home, your first instinct might be to squash it, but doing so will release its infamous foul odor. Not only will you have to deal with the smell, but this odor can also attract more stink bugs. Instead, a more effective way to physically remove a stink bug is to vacuum it up and then immediately empty the vacuum bag outside, away from your home.

Another common method used in Melbourne, FL is creating a light trap. This involves placing a light over a pan filled with soapy water, which will lure the stink bugs to the light and drown them in the water.

To prevent further stink bugs from entering your home, it’s essential to block their access points. Common entry points in Melbourne include damaged window screens, gaps around sliding doors, roof vents, and cracks around chimneys. Sealing these gaps with caulking or weatherstripping can significantly reduce the chances of a stink bug infestation.

For the most efficient removal of stink bugs, professional pest inspections and treatments are the best options. All U Need Pest Control guarantees fast and effective services, responding to inquiries within 48 hours. We handle all aspects of stink bug removal so that you don’t have to deal with traps or the stench that comes with squishing them.

Types of Stink Bugs in Melbourne, FL

There are approximately 2,000 species of stink bugs worldwide, with around 225 species found in North America. Not all stink bugs are harmful, but it’s essential to identify which ones are causing problems in Melbourne, FL.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

The brown marmorated stink bug is the most common culprit when homes in Melbourne are invaded by stink bugs. These insects are larger than most other stink bug species, growing up to 17mm in length. Their outward color ranges from dark red, brown, and black, with lighter coloring underneath. You can identify them by the white bands on their legs and antennae and the alternating dark and white bands on their abdomen.

Originally from Asia, brown marmorated stink bugs have caused significant agricultural problems since arriving in the U.S. They feed on high-value crops such as apples, grapes, peaches, peppers, and tomatoes, making these fruits unmarketable and often leading to diseased plants.

Rough Stink Bug

The rough stink bug is more challenging to spot because it blends into its environment, resembling tree bark with its rugged appearance. These stink bugs are typically gray and black and can grow to about an inch in length. Unlike other species, rough stink bugs are beneficial as they help control pests by feeding on caterpillars, beetles, and soft-bodied insects.

Green Stink Bug

In Melbourne, FL, you may also encounter the green stink bug. These bugs are light green in color and grow up to three-fourths of an inch long. They differ from southern green stink bugs by the thin yellow, orange, or red border around their shield-like body.

Green stink bugs are harmful to plants and fruits. They cause a condition known as “catfacing,” which leaves recessed areas on fruit caused by damaged plant cells, leading to unsellable produce.

Southern Green Stink Bug

The southern green stink bug is another pest species common in Melbourne. These bright green bugs grow to over half an inch in length, though they start life as black. They are often confused with the green stink bug due to their similar appearance.

Southern green stink bugs feed on a variety of crops, including peaches, tomatoes, cotton, pecans, and soybeans. Their feeding can cause extensive damage to fruit, especially as it develops. When they feed on developing fruit, they release toxic saliva that can kill the fruit prematurely, leading to deformities. Additionally, their saliva can create hard masses in nearly ripe fruit by killing small sections of cells.

Spined Soldier Stink Bug

The spined soldier stink bug is another species found in Melbourne, FL. These stink bugs are smaller, growing up to 10mm in length. Their pale brown, gray, tan, or dark brown bodies are easily recognized by the pointed shoulders that give them their name.

Unlike other stink bugs, spined soldier stink bugs are beneficial to agriculture. They feed on pests like caterpillars and beetles, helping to control harmful insect populations.

How to Prevent Stink Bug Infestations in Melbourne, FL

Preventing stink bugs from entering your Melbourne home is the best strategy. Stink bugs tend to invade homes during the cooler fall and winter months, seeking warmth and shelter. Here’s how to keep them out:

• Inspect your home for any potential entry points and seal them.
• Replace damaged window screens and ensure all windows and doors are tightly sealed.
• Check for gaps around walls, pipes, or outlets, and seal them with weather stripping or caulking.
• Use dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation in areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

Additionally, maintaining a clean outdoor environment can help prevent stink bug infestations. Remove yard debris, fallen leaves, overgrown weeds, and clutter to limit hiding spots. Trim back bushes, shrubs, and tree branches to prevent them from making contact with your house.