Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects that often invade homes and businesses in Tennessee, especially during the cooler months. These pests are best known for the unpleasant odor they release when disturbed or crushed. While they don’t pose direct health risks to humans or pets, their presence can be a persistent nuisance and may lead to damage in gardens or indoor plants.
Why they’re a problem
- Unpleasant odor: When threatened or squashed, stink bugs emit a foul-smelling chemical from glands located on their abdomen — hence their name.
- Indoor infestations: As temperatures drop, stink bugs seek warmth and shelter indoors, often congregating in large numbers in attics, walls, or near windows.
- Agricultural damage: Outdoors, stink bugs feed on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, causing spotting, deformation, and crop loss.
- Difficult to remove: Once inside, stink bugs are hard to eliminate without triggering their odor. Improper removal can lead to lingering smells and repeated invasions.
- Structural hiding spots: These pests often slip into small cracks, gaps, and vents, making it challenging to locate and seal all entry points.
Signs you may have stink bugs
- Seeing live bugs indoors: Spotting brown, shield-shaped insects crawling on walls, ceilings, or window sills is a clear sign of a stink bug problem.
- Foul odor: A noticeable, musty smell when bugs are crushed or agitated can indicate an infestation.
- Clustering near windows: Stink bugs are attracted to light and warmth, often gathering in sunny spots during the day.
- Buzzing sounds: These pests may produce a soft buzzing noise when flying or moving around inside walls.
- Presence in fall or early spring: Large numbers tend to invade in the fall to overwinter and may reappear inside as temperatures warm in spring.
- Professional stink bug control focuses on sealing entry points, removing existing bugs, and treating exterior areas to prevent seasonal invasions.
Contact Professional Pest Management to eliminate stink bugs and protect your property — call (931) 680-7249 today.
