Coming over from Asia in the late 90’s, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug made its entrance to North America. This season in South Carolina, we have seen more than ever before.
While they are not technically “dangerous” to humans, they are serious pests of fruit trees, corn, garden vegetables and some ornamental plants. The adults usually feed on fruit and the immatures (nymphs) tend to feed on leaves and stems as well as fruit. Heavy feeding on fruit will cause the fruit surface to become depressed, spongy, and often discolored. The good news is stink bugs don’t bite or sting people, and they don’t chew up wood or cause other damage to properties.
Once they make their way into your home through cracks, windows and door openings, the best way to get them up is with a vacuum and then empty the canister ASAP. Stink bugs emit a strong, foul odor when they are crushed, which can cause your home to smell. Removing these pests means doing so carefully, so that they won’t give off their distinctive odor.
One thing to keep in mind if you find them in your home, a small population of people are allergic to them. Individuals sensitive to the odors of cockroaches and lady bugs may be particularly affected by stink bugs. Additionally, if the insects are crushed or smashed against exposed skin, they can produce dermatitis at the point of contact.
We have had several calls about stink bugs this season and are happy to come to your home to eliminate these pests for you. Our team of technicians has the training and tools needed to carefully eliminate stink bugs from your property without leaving their unpleasant odor behind. Give us a call at 864-616-6308 to schedule your stink bug elimination!