Got Stink Bugs? New to Them? Get Tips!

Falls here and the stink bugs are searching for a warm spot to over winter. Stink bugs have been on the move since they landed in Allentown, Pa. Being from Pa, I saw my first stink bug about 13 years ago. And have just about hated them since!

What they look like.

First and fore most, if you find a stink bug in your house or on your property, there are many more around. Take your air conditioners out of the windows! They will sneak in by the hundreds through those amazing inventions. Put your screens in your windows and make sure they sill tight around the edges and have no holes. Stink bugs can squeeze in to the smallest cracks and holes. Double check the doors and make sure they shut tight and have no gaps around the edges. More or less, make sure everything is tight.

Second, storage areas... attics, sheds, chubby holes, ect. They will get into your storage areas. Make sure any valuable or very important/personal items in storage are properly stored.

How to catch them when they do get in. Before you start squishing these nasties....DO NOT! They will stink horribly. Don't waste time trying to get them in a tissue. They can release their stink and it will go through your tissue and on to your hand....then you stink! The best way to get rid of the bugs is water. Now, if they get into your house you will find them mostly around the windows and doors early on. But as winter welcomes itself and the cold arrives with a vengeance, they will start looking for warmer places to call home. They can be found in the nooks and crannies of curtains, furniture, closets (yes in your clothing!)... any where that can keep them warm and away from drafts. So, the way I find to be the easiest to catch and kill... I use to get a glass with water and swish them into the cup. After you get them all, dump the cup into the toilet and let them enjoy the water slide! But, till you were done catching all of them the smell coming form the cup is horrid. So, one night I got a glass and happened to fill it with hot, very hot water. The stink bug dies in seconds and most of the time it doesn't leave off any smell. Sounds mean, but wait till you get ready to go to bed and find over 30 of the suckers in your bedroom!

Thankfully this year has been mellow. Very mild indoor invasions so far. However, we lost most of our garden to them. You can read this post for some helps with the garden and keeping the nasties out!

If you have no idea what I'm talking about in this post, then please count your blessings. If you know what I'm talking about, then you most likely know what I'm talking about when I say, the side of the house had so many stink bugs on it you couldn't see the siding or window the one summer! That said, this bugs are making their way across the country. This isn't stink bug proof, but it may help you! I've heard traps you can make out of lights to draw them into it. But, haven't tried them.

And if you can't beat them... eat them?!?!? Life isn't that hard and I pray doesn't become that hard!!!

This blog is connected to:
Homestead Barn Hop 81
Homesteader Blog Carnival 27