6 Things to Know About Stink Bugs

Stink bug in Peekskill NY - Garrie Pest Control

No one wants any type of pest or bug in their home, especially stink bugs. These pests are very common in the fall months here in New York, making it important to learn everything you can about their behaviors. While mostly harmless, stink bugs can be a big nuisance and—of course—quite odorous. To ensure you keep them far away from your property this fall and year-round, the experts at Garrie Pest Control are here to share all you need to know about the stink bug. Read on to learn more!

What to Know About Stink Bugs in New York

1. What Do Stink Bugs Look Like?

The full name of stink bugs is the brown marmorated stink bugs. Stink bugs haven’t been in the United States for long since they’re not a native species. They were accidentally introduced from Asia in the late 1990s and can now be found all over the country. They are a brownish-grey color, have six legs, and have a body shaped like a triangular shield. They’re usually less than an inch long.

2. Dangers of Stink Bugs

Stink bugs pose more of an annoyance issue than any real danger. They don’t bite humans or damage your home like termites and other bugs can. They tend to invade in large numbers, which mostly just makes homeowners uneasy. Although stink bugs don’t pose a danger to humans or pets, in high numbers they can destroy crops and damage fruit badly enough to make it impossible to sell.

3. Stink Bug Odor

Stink bugs got their name from the foul odor they emit when they feel threatened or when they’re crushed. The odor can vary, with some emitting a cilantro-like smell and others smelling similar to a skunk. The odor comes from a chemical secreted from glands on their stomach. Another odor the stink bug can emit isn’t detected by humans but can be recognized by other stink bugs. Stink bugs release a certain pheromone when they find a safe place to hibernate for the winter. Other stink bugs recognize this specific pheromone and join so that they can hibernate together throughout the winter.

4. How Do Stink Bugs Get Inside?

Unlike many other pests, stink bugs don’t breed in your home because they go into a hibernation state during the winter. That means that while they will try to find a cozy spot in your home to hibernate, they won’t be laying eggs and producing a larger infestation for spring. They won’t begin to reproduce until the weather warms up. That’s why you typically won’t notice stink bugs in your home during the winter, but you will see them in the fall when they start looking for a warm place to hibernate. You’ll also notice them in the spring when the weather warms up and they begin to stir.

5. Stink Bug Prevention

Stink bugs enter your home through small cracks and holes, so the best way to prevent them from getting in is to thoroughly inspect your home and seal all cracks around windows, doors, pipes, electrical outlets, and underneath the fascia on the roof. Replace damaged screens on windows and doors as well.

6. How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

If you’ve done everything you can to get rid of stink bugs and still notice them in or around your home, it may be time to get in touch with a professional pest control company. At Garrie Pest Control, we know that no one wants to share their home with these small and smelly bugs.

Our experts can thoroughly inspect your property to determine where they’re getting indoors and implement steps to keep them out for good. Contact us today to get started!

Your Leaky Pipes May Be Attracting Pests

Cockroaches are attracted to plumbing fixtures in Peekskill NY - Garrie Pest Control

Having leaky pipes or plumbing issues in your home is bad enough without the added bonus of a pest infestation. Unfortunately, pests love excess moisture and will readily infest a home that is experiencing a plumbing problem. This is why it’s crucial to stay on top of plumbing repairs in your home. When you don’t, you run the risk of potentially leaving yourself vulnerable to pest infestations. The experts at Garrie Pest Control are here to help. Read on to learn everything you need to know about preventing pests and leaky pipes in your Peekskill NY home!

Moisture-Loving Pests

Pests are drawn toward areas that provide them with their main sources of survival: food and water! This is why pests are commonly found in bathrooms, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and more. The most common pests that are going to be attracted to areas with excess moisture are as follows.

  1. Termites: If a broken pipe has caused water damage in the very structure of your home, you can be sure termites are to follow. Subterranean termites in particular are attracted to moist wood and soil. When there are unattended-to leaky pipes or plumbing issues, you could be leaving your home vulnerable to termites.
  2. Ants: These tiny pests will appear seemingly out of nowhere when excess moisture is abundant. Leaky faucets or spilled water from a pet’s bowl can bring ants out in the hundreds. In addition to your typical house ant, water can be a main attractant to the wood-destroying carpenter ant as well.
  3. Cockroaches. Roaches may be known for their resiliency, but they aren’t as strong as you’d think. Without water for a week, a roach will not survive. Cockroaches also love to linger inside of pipes and plumbing fixtures. An issue can quickly introduce roaches into other parts of the house.
  4. Rodents: Rats and mice alike are always looking for a water supply. Leaky pipes or broken faucets in your crawl space or laundry room can provide a haven for rodents. The last thing you want is rodents scurrying around when you have a plumbing issue, making it important to prevent them.

How to Prevent Pest Infestations From Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes or plumbing issues can quickly bring a plethora of problems into your home. This is because almost all pests are attracted to water. In fact, some will die without a source of water within a few days. If you want to help prevent pests in your home, the best thing to do is keep an eye out for leaks and address any issues right away. Regularly inspect to ensure your faucets aren’t dripping, your drains aren’t clogging, and there are no leaks from your fridge, washing machine, or dishwasher.

Dealing With Pest Problems in Your Kitchen or Bathroom?

If you’re already noticing the signs of pests from a plumbing issue or leaky pipe, it’s important to contact your local exterminator for assistance. At Garrie Pest Control, we will work hard to get rid of any pest problems and provide you with tips to prevent future ones.