Stink Bug Control: Sarasota County, FL’s Trusted Solution

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

If you spot a stink bug in your home, your first reaction may be to squish it. However, squashing a stink bug will release its infamous foul odor, potentially attracting more stink bugs to your home. Instead, it’s better to vacuum the stink bug and empty the vacuum bag outside, away from your property.

Another option is to create a simple homemade trap using light and soapy water. Place a light above a shallow dish of water mixed with dishwashing soap, and the bugs will be attracted to the light, where they will drown in the water.

To prevent more stink bugs from entering your home, it’s important to seal any potential entry points. Common entryways in Sarasota County homes include gaps in windows, doors, screens, and cracks in walls. Sealing these areas with caulk or weatherstripping can be an effective way to prevent further infestations.

The most reliable method of eliminating stink bugs is through professional pest control. At All U Need Pest Control, we respond to inquiries within 48 hours and provide thorough inspections and treatment to rid your home of stink bugs. Leave the hassle of traps and odors to us.

Types of Stink Bugs in Sarasota County, FL

There are more than 2,000 species of stink bugs worldwide, with around 225 species in North America. Not all stink bugs are pests, so it’s important to identify which ones are harmful and which are not in Sarasota County.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

If stink bugs are invading your Sarasota County home, they are likely brown marmorated stink bugs. These pests are larger than other species, growing up to 17mm in length. They vary in color from brown to black, with white bands on their legs and antennae.

Originally from Asia, the brown marmorated stink bug has become a significant agricultural pest in the U.S. They feed on a variety of crops, including tomatoes, peppers, and citrus—common crops in Sarasota County. The damage they cause to fruits and vegetables can make them unmarketable.

Rough Stink Bug

Rough stink bugs are harder to spot due to their grayish color, which helps them blend in with tree bark. These stink bugs are about an inch long and have spiny projections on their shoulders.

Unlike other stink bugs, rough stink bugs are not pests. In fact, they help control pest populations by feeding on harmful insects like caterpillars and beetles. Rough stink bugs are actually beneficial for Sarasota County’s agricultural environment.

Green Stink Bug

Green stink bugs are common in North America, including Sarasota County. These bugs are bright green and grow up to three-fourths of an inch in length. A thin yellow, orange, or red line often borders their shield-shaped bodies.

Green stink bugs can cause significant damage to fruit crops. A common sign of green stink bug damage is called “catfacing,” which refers to sunken, deformed areas on fruit. This damage often affects tomatoes, strawberries, and other produce grown in Sarasota County.

Southern Green Stink Bug

The southern green stink bug is another common pest found in Sarasota County. These bugs are bright green when fully mature but start as black-colored nymphs. They grow to be over half an inch long and have dark antennae with lighter bands.

Southern green stink bugs feed on various crops, including tomatoes, peppers, and cotton. Their toxic saliva can cause developing fruits to deform, rendering them unmarketable. Due to Sarasota County’s warm climate, southern green stink bugs can cause crop damage throughout the year.

Spined Soldier Stink Bug

The spined soldier stink bug is smaller than other stink bug species, growing up to 10mm in length. These bugs have a distinctive pointed shoulder area and are pale brown or gray in color.

Like rough stink bugs, spined soldier stink bugs are beneficial. They prey on harmful insects like caterpillars and beetles, helping to reduce pest populations in agricultural fields across Sarasota County.

How To Prevent Stink Bug Infestations in Sarasota County, FL

Preventing stink bugs from entering your home is easier than eliminating an infestation. In Sarasota County, stink bugs are more likely to invade homes during cooler fall and winter months, so it’s important to take action early.

Here’s a list of steps to prevent stink bugs:

• Check for potential entry points and seal any gaps.
• Replace damaged window screens and make sure all windows and doors close tightly.
• Inspect for cracks or gaps in walls, especially around pipes or outlets.
• Seal these crevices with weatherstripping or caulk.

Maintaining the interior of your home can also help prevent infestations. Stink bugs prefer moist environments, so using dehumidifiers and ensuring proper ventilation in spaces like basements and attics can help. Regularly prune and clean indoor plants, and quarantine any new plants until you’re sure they are pest-free.

Outdoors, removing clutter such as fallen leaves, overgrown weeds, and old flowerpots will help limit potential hiding spots for stink bugs. Trim trees and bushes so they do not touch your home, as stink bugs often use these branches to find entry points.