Why Stink Bugs Love Your Home (and How to Keep Them Out)

If you live in New England, you probably notice stink bugs every September. These shield-shaped insects gather on sunny walls and often find their way indoors. While they don’t bite or damage structures, they are annoying, smelly, and hard to get rid of once they settle in.

So, why do stink bugs love your home so much, and how can you keep them outside where they belong?

Why Stink Bugs Appear in the Fall

Stink bugs are attracted to warmth and light. As temperatures drop, they look for overwintering sites. Homes provide everything they want: warmth, shelter, and plenty of cracks and crevices to hide in.

How Stink Bugs Get Inside

Stink bugs enter through:

• Gaps around windows and doors
• Attic vents and chimneys
• Utility openings near pipes and wires
• Loose siding or roof flashing

Because they are flat-bodied insects, they can squeeze through even small spaces.

Why They Release That Smell

Stink bugs release an odor as a defense mechanism when they are threatened or crushed. The smell not only repels predators but also alerts other stink bugs to danger. Unfortunately, this makes them difficult to remove once indoors.

Best Ways to Keep Stink Bugs Out

1. Seal Entry Points: Use caulk around doors, windows, and siding. Install weather stripping and door sweeps.
2. Repair Screens: Check window and attic screens for tears or gaps.
3. Reduce Outdoor Attraction: Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights in the evening since stink bugs are drawn to them.
4. Vacuum, Don’t Crush: If they get inside, vacuum them up and empty the bag immediately instead of squashing them.
5. Professional Treatments: Barrier sprays and exclusion services from a pest professional can provide long-lasting protection.

Why DIY Isn’t Enough

While sealing cracks and vacuuming help, large infestations often require professional treatment. Stink bugs can overwinter in attics, wall voids, and crawl spaces where DIY methods won’t reach.

Graduate Pest Solutions Can Help

At Graduate Pest Solutions, we specialize in keeping fall pests out before they become a winter-long nuisance. Our technicians can inspect your home, identify entry points, and apply targeted treatments to stop stink bugs in their tracks.

Don’t let stink bugs take over your home this fall. Contact Graduate Pest Solutions today to schedule your fall pest prevention service.