The Spring Stink Bug Invasion is Underway in Indiana and Kentucky

The Invasion

The stink bug we have all come to know and love is incredibly invasive. Not just to our homes. The brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species in North America, because it's originally from East Asia.

Originally confirmed to have invaded Pennsylvania in 2001, the stink bugs have spread to 47 US states and four Canadian provinces. Most likely coming from shipping containers, these widespread pests are a major agricultural hindrance and annoying, amazing home invaders.

Fall - the First Invasion

In fall, the pests begin to move into our homes. Before winter, the stink bugs are attracted to our warm homes. As such, they'll be found on outside walls or inside near doors and windows. They can enter homes in large groups, which is why if there is one stink bug, there are probably 20 more hiding. Waiting. Watching.

Some ways to keep the bugs out and away are to

1. Caulk the inside and outside of windows

2. Rake away all vegetation (like leaves) from your home's foundation so as not to attract bugs

3. If you have a fireplace, put a cap or screen to prevent bugs from entering

4. Any other known way to seal openings in a home

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But what about after the bugs are inside your home? Then what? It's not like you want to seal them in. Well, the solution is simple. Vacuum them. The vacuum can, and will most likely smell like stink bugs for a period of time after use, but at least it's not flying around the house anymore. Aerosol-type sprays work as well. If you are really desperate, you can put soapy water, with a light source, in a metal pan. Kind of sounds like a final guess in Clue. This assortment should set an intoxicating trap for your personal home invasion.

Winter the Peaceful Slumber

As we talked about, the stink bugs invade your home in the fall to prepare for the winter. So then, where do they go? Why work so hard to get in just to leave when they need to be inside?

Well, the truth is they never left. They hibernate, so whatever stink bugs you don't find in the fall will hide and sleep in the winter.

Springing Awake for the Summer Months

Then, once it begins to warm up, the stink bugs emerge from their hiding spots and invade your home. The Invasion 2: Electric Boogaloo!

Then they start to feed, lay eggs, and the cycle begins again. As the new stink bugs begin to invade for the coming winter.

Which can be avoided by sealing your home to an absurd extent. No matter what, they'll probably find a way in, but by caulking and screening you can reduce their invasion to a band rather than an army.

Should I Be Afraid of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

No, you should not be scared of the bugs. They can smell bad, be annoying, and hurt plants, but they can't hurt you. Probably.

They won't bite you or your pets, nor should they cause damage to your home.

Also, keep in mind that not all stink bugs are invasive to Indiana. Like the spined soldier bug, a type of stink bug that's native, and does pest control. So let's try to get rid of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug and protect our native species. How, you might ask? Just try your best to keep stinkbugs out, and handle the brown marmorated stink bug accordingly. Like with a Vacuum cleaner.