Fall Pests: Stink Bugs and Kudzu Bugs

As the weather turns cooler, you may start noticing some new guests in your homes. But these aren’t invited guests, they’re stink bugs and kudzu bugs.

Both pests originated in Asia and are fairly new to our country. The brown marmorated stink bug was first seen in North Carolina in 2009 and the kudzu bug followed in 2010.  

During summer months, the pests feed on their main food sources such as kudzu and soybean crops for kudzu bugs and other crops for the stink bugs. As fall and winter approach and their food sources die, they begin to look for food and warm places to stay.

That can lead them indoors to your homes.

What should you do if you start seeing these pests in your homes?

• NEVER Crush Them: Both pests can emit a foul odor when crushed. Instead, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the live and dead bugs from a building and throw away the vacuum bag immediately.
• Seal Your Home: Make sure all holes and crevices to the outside of the house are sealed and that all window screens are properly fitted to windows to prevent bugs from entering the home or building.
• Seek Help: Contact a professional pest management company if there are questions or for further treatment.  Check our Find a Pest Pro link to find someone in your area.