Dayton's Pest Control Helps Solve Stink Bug Problem

Knoxville, TN – There has been a “stink bug” infestation in Eastern Tennessee causing many homeowners to look for a solution.

The insect is the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. It was originally from Asia but was first spotted in Pennsylvania in the late 1990’s. It has a “shield” shape body with six legs and is brown on both its back and underside.

Luckily Dayton’s Pest Control technician, Adam Weckesser, who was featured on WBIR-TV 10, has a solution for this stink bug in TN. He says the bugs, “really becomes a problem in the middle of October.” This is because the insects typically multiply by the thousands and are looking for a warmer climate to settle down in for the winter.

These pests deter enemies when in danger by releasing a foul odor - hence their name. This foul odor can also be released when the bugs are crushed, so it is best to be very careful when handling them.

Some people will tell you to vacuum up the bugs. Weckesser says, "I would tell you not to vacuum them.  They will release that odor and then the vacuum exhaust will blow the odor all over the room." Instead he tells the homeowners, "The best way I've found to kill the stray stink bug is to get a piece of toilet paper, grab them without crushing them, and flush them down the toilet."

The bugs can enter through almost any cracks in a home as they can flatten themselves almost as thin as a few pieces of paper. Weckesser says, "We spray the exterior of homes with a pesticide that will get into the cracks and seams of the house to kill the stink bugs." This will not only kill the bugs in the house, but will also prevent more bugs from entering your home.

To read an article about stink bugs click here.

Dayton’s Pest Control specializes in radon mitigation and pest control in Maryville, TN and surrounding areas.