Defending Against Stink Bugs

Stink bugs, particularly the invasive brown marmorated species, have been making their presence known in western Washington counties including King, Pierce, Thurston and Whatcom. Originating in East Asia, these pungent pests have found their way into our homes and gardens, leaving a stinky trail in their wake.

What’s in a name?

Stink bugs earned their moniker for a reason. When threatened, they release a foul-smelling fluid through their scent glands, deterring predators and leaving an unpleasant odor behind. Squashing them isn’t ideal either, as it can spread the stench to nearby surfaces and stain paintwork and fabric.

What draws them in?

Stink bugs are drawn to light, so it’s wise to keep outdoor lighting to a minimum at night. They also have a penchant for ripe fruit, vegetable gardens, and native Washington flora. Come fall, the bigger draw is warmth: they gather on sun-facing walls looking for somewhere to overwinter. Their aggregation pheromone then signals others to join, which is why a few bugs on a wall can become a crowd in a matter of days.

Damage control

These pests don’t just annoy — they can do real harm to fruit-bearing crops, vegetables and native vegetation, which is why they’re taken seriously as an agricultural problem. Around the house it’s different: they don’t bite, don’t carry disease and don’t damage the building, so protecting your garden and keeping them out of the living space is the whole of the job.

Prevention and removal

To keep stink bugs at bay, start by repairing any damaged screens, windows, or doors to seal off entry points. Limit outdoor lighting, check items brought into your home, and maintain your yard to reduce attractive habitats. And if you spot stink bugs indoors, opt for gentle removal methods like sweeping them into soapy water rather than crushing them.

Professional help

While DIY measures can help, professional stink bug control offers a more thorough answer when the numbers keep building year after year — mainly because a full exclusion job on a house reaches the gaps that are hard to find and harder to get to. At Sasquatch Pest Control, we’re equipped to tackle stink bug problems head-on, focusing on sealing the building envelope and treating the exterior where it helps.

Don’t let stink bugs take over — get in touch with Sasquatch Pest Control for help defending your property against these odorous intruders.