The brown marmorated stink bug (pdf) also know as Halyomorpha Halys is native to Asia but has been seen in a handful of states in North America; California is one of those states. The first brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) in the United States was documented in Allentown, PA in 2001.

In Asia, this stink bug is a major pest that targets fruit trees and soybeans. As of now, the pest is considered a minor household pest in the United States but this stink bug does have the potential to become a major agricultural pest problem. It is expected this stink bug will continue to expand and invade agricultural areas.

Brown marmorated stink bugs have a notable shield shaped body and range in size from 14-17mm (less than an inch). You can tell native stink bugs from these bugs because brown marmorated stink bugs have antennae with alternating dark brown and light brown.

This stink bug begins to feed in May or June and are considered true bugs which have specialized mouths used to suck the liquid out of plants.  Vegetation that has been targeted by the brown marmorated stink bug will have discolored and pitted leaves.

BMSB is not the only species of stink bug that causes the same type of damage; this makes it difficult to assess how much damage this particular stink bug causes.

During the fall, the stink bug heads indoors to hibernate. They can enter the house by sliding under siding, attic vents, door frames, etc… The goal for venturing inside is to hibernate but sometimes the warm temperatures cause the bugs to become active and fly around.

The BMSB and other stink bugs emit a odor as a defense mechanism to predators such as birds and lizards, but the odor can also be released if the insect is crushed, injured or even moved.

Also, it is thought the stink bugs use their “stink” as a signal to other stink bugs that that particular location is a good place to hibernate.

Keeping BMSB out of the house is the best way to manage the stink bugs;  sealing cracks and gaps with caulk as well as repairing broken screens are good preventative steps. Having a pest control company spray the exterior of the building in the fall may prevent an infestation later in the year, but the pesticides are only temporary. If you already have an infestation, call a local exterminator.

{photo credit: Anita363}

We talk about DIY pest control from time to time and while this can be a successful way to control pests, it’s not always the most efficient and environmentally friendly answer to the problem. Doing your own pest control can be quite the investment of time, energy and sometimes even money.

Here are 10 reasons why you should hire a professional pest control company instead of treating the problem yourself.

1. Pest control companies have the knowledge plus years and years of experience in identifying pests.

2. Pest management professionals use pesticides that last at least 60 days as opposed to pesticides purchased in local stores which can have residual effects that may only last 30 minutes.

3. Using a professional company will allow you to get on a maintenance schedule to prevent any reoccurring pest infestations.

4. Many companies are so confident in their work they’ll offer a guarantee for a certain period of time.

5. The pesticides used by professional pest control companies are regulated for consumer protection. Plus, a company will know the safe but effective amount of pesticide to use.

6. Some companies are licensed to do research with their findings; this research helps to improve pest control treatments.

7. Pest control companies must be licensed. In the state of California, the Structural Pest Control Board is the regulating body.

8. Professionals know the safest way to treat the problem. Bees and wasps can be dangerous if they’re not handled properly.

9. Chances are, an experienced pest control company has seen a similar pest problem and if not, they’ll figure out how to fix it. Professionals have specialized equipment and knowledge, which comes in handy for pests such as termites.

10. It’s not uncommon for pest control companies to offer free quotes and/or home inspections. Take advantage of these and don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.

Hiring a pest control company may seem costly but it’s worth the investment. Because of experience and the latest technologies, professionals can safely handle your pest infestation in a timely manner. When you pay a pest control company you’re paying for the pesticides but anyone can spray a baseboard; you’re also paying for knowledge and experience.