If they have already appeared indoors, in your home, you can use an insecticide spray to deal with them without any stench. It's that time of year again when we are seeing more and more stink bugs in our home. In autumn, these basically harmless, but still very annoying insects are present in increasing numbers in the leaves and on the trees. And if they are already indoors, in the home, Rovatoxx fly and mosquito repellent aerosol can help you deal with them without the stench. Many people are put off just by the sight of them, but the real aversion is more the smell they give off.
Where does the smell of stink bugs come from?
Stink bugs get their name from the unpleasant smell they produce when they feel threatened. They emit a smell when they are disturbed or squashed. Many other insects have similar properties, including some species of ants, beetles and other so called true bugs.
The function of smell is to help protect stink bugs from predators. Stink bugs produce the 'stink' chemical in their abdominal glands. Some species can spray the compound up to a few centimetres away. The smell is often compared to strong herbs and spices.
Interestingly, the odour is composed of chemicals that are commonly used as food additives, and is also present in coriander, for example. This smell can last for hours, so if possible try to avoid scaring and collapsing the stink bugs.
Carefully sweep or vacuum them up once they are in the house or flat. Adult stink bugs can reach almost 2 cm in length. They are almost as wide as they are long. Their legs extend out from the sides, making adult stink bugs look even bigger. Adult bugs are good fliers and fold their wings over the top of their bodies when landing. Fully grown wings are one way of identifying adult stink bugs.
Bugs in the home
Stink bugs are often found in the home in the months following summer, in autumn when the outside temperature starts to drop. Finding a large number of live or dead stink bugs is a telltale sign that they may have easily entered the home somewhere.
If you find very high levels of stink bugs in your home, it is worth contacting a licensed exterminator to assess and evaluate the severity of the situation.
Bug control and prevention
Tips, tricks and insecticide sprays against stink bugs
To prevent stink bugs from entering homes and buildings, seal cracks in windows, doors, casings, utility lines, chimneys, and wooden casings and other openings. Typical entry points include door and window frames, electrical outlets, light switches, ceiling fans, skylights and ceiling light fixtures. Use a good quality silicone or silicone-latex sealant. Damaged, cracked parts of doors and windows should be repaired or replaced.
Bugs are attracted to light, so replace exterior lighting with less attractive yellow bulbs or sodium vapour lamps. If they have already entered the home, do not touch or handle them. Bedbugs move slowly enough to be caught and, as they freeze in winter climates, it may be advisable to put them outdoors.
Handle them carefully with plastic bags, do not touch them directly. It may help to take an empty water bottle and put the beetle in it using the lid. After vacuuming, empty the bag or container as it will stink. Immediately after collecting the bugs, pour the contents of the vacuum cleaner into a large bin liner and close it tightly. Another technique you can try is to wrap a stocking around the outside of the vacuum cleaner hose, secure it with a rubber band and stuff it inside the hose. Stink bugs will be trapped in the stocking and won't get into the filter. When you turn off the vacuum cleaner, carefully remove the stocking, keeping the end closed.
Caola insecticide spray, harmless to humans but effective against stink bugs
You can use an insecticidal spray to quickly and easily kill stink bugs without touching them. The Rovatoxx fly and mosquito repellent aerosol is also perfect for controlling stink bugs. While the insecticidal powder kills the bugs in the wall cavities, the carcasses can be smelly and can attract other pests such as carpet beetles that can damage your home.
