Diane writes
We are located in southeast Pennsylvania, and we have noticed a huge increase in stink bugs. According to some University Entomology sites I have visited, they all state the best method is sealing the building to keep them outside. The area has garden style apartments with lots of grass, trees, shrubbery and mulch around the buildings, all conducive to this type of pest, along with many others such as centipedes. The sites basically state once they are inside a building, the best way to get rid of them is to vacuum them, and obviously not smash them. Is there not something out there that can be sprayed inside that would have a residual effect?
There are many products on the market that have a long lasting residual. Unfortunately, all of them will only have very limited results. Stink bugs move into structures to overwinter. They usually squeeze into wall voids, false ceilings, attics and other areas that are inaccessible to people and insecticides. As the heat kicks on in the house, the stink bugs warm up and start becoming active and emerge from hiding, driving residents nuts. Because most folks usually have no idea where the bugs are harboring you can only treat around baseboards, door frames and window frames and hope the insects will emerge where you have sprayed. After they contact the treated areas, it can take several hours for them to die. It is still worth spraying now to get rid of some of the bugs, but you will keep seeing them until spring when they will emerge en masse and leave the building. They do not eat, mate or lay eggs while indoors so need to worry about any damage or future baby stink bugs. This year you can be proactive by stopping these pests before they move in for the winter. You can use Talstar P outdoors around your door frames, window frames, vents, eaves, around the bottom of your foundation, and any other crack or crevice where an insect could gain entry, once a month August-November.
Answer last updated on: 02/28/2011
