With fall finally here, homeowners across New Jersey are enjoying the beautiful foliage and the cool weather. Unfortunately, fall brings more than just a festive atmosphere. It also brings Stink Bugs in Marlboro NJ inside.
Although stink bugs don’t pose any serious health risks, they can be a nuisance. Homeowners shouldn’t wait until they have a full-blown infestation on their hands to take action. Instead, check out the following tips for preventative stink bug control before they look for warm places to hide over the winter.
Identify and Seal Entry Points
Stink bugs are small, so homeowners don’t need to open their doors up to welcome them in. They can get in through small holes around utility pipes, cracks in the siding, and just about any other area of the home’s exterior walls that is not airtight. After performing a thorough inspection, seal all cracks and holes using high-quality caulk.
Repair Damaged Screens and Weather Stripping
Most homeowners have already put away their window screens for the season, but those who are still enjoying the occasional cool breeze on an exceptionally hot day should watch out for tears in the screens. These provide an easy entry point for all kinds of insects. Stink bugs can also get in through tears in the weather stripping surrounding doors or windows.
Reduce Moisture
Reducing moisture in the home can make the property look less appealing to Stink Bugs in Marlboro NJ. Check around faucets and other fixtures, fix leaky pipes, and unclog drains immediately to remove excess moisture. Homeowners may also want to purchase dehumidifiers for their basements, although these generally aren’t necessary during the winter if the home doesn’t have any leaks.
Eliminate Food Sources
Avoid attracting stink bugs by removing potential food sources. Store all food intended for human or pet consumption in airtight containers, dispose of garbage in sealed cans, and sweep up crumbs and spills immediately.
Know When to Call for Help
If homeowners take action as soon as they’ve noticed one or two stink bugs, they may be able to prevent a full-blown infestation. If there are already many insects in the house, it’s better to call an exterminator. Click Here to learn about one local company that can help.
