From roaches and rats to spiders and bats, the number of pests that may affect your home is overwhelming. Termites are responsible for enormous damage to the home, and certain spiders can bite and cause serious reactions. While not responsible for damaging the home or affecting your health, stink bugs can release a foul odor that will turn stomachs and make your house very unappealing. Measuring around ¾-inch long, these small bugs will release odors that make a big impact. With this guide, you will learn a few simple tips to help prevent stink bugs from entering your home.

Inspect and Seal

These small bugs can enter your home through the smallest of cracks and crevices. Therefore, you should move around the exterior of your home, looking for holes and cracks. Pay extra attention to the foundation, crawlspace, exterior siding, and window and door frames.

Use caulk or silicone sealant to close up these openings, reducing the risk of stink bugs or other pests.

Clean Up

Stink bugs are not necessarily attracted to dirty environments, but they will find cluttered areas or food residue appealing.

Ensure all food containers, such as bags and boxes, are sealed properly. Clean up any food particles and crumbs that are lingering on your counters, floors, drawers, cabinets, and pantry shelves, as well. Use an antibacterial solution to clean these surfaces periodically. This reduces any odors of food while killing harmful germs and bacteria.

Avoid piling up clothing, linens, newspapers, magazines, or books, since stink bugs will believe this clutter is a great place to hide and nest.

Head outdoors to clean up, too. Dispose of any junk and store project lumbar or firewood in a safe, dry location, such as in your garage or a shed.

De-Humidify

Stink bugs and other pests are attracted to moisture. Unfortunately, moisture can be a problem in and outside your home. Use a hygrometer to check the humidity levels in your home. Issues with your heating and cooling system can increase humidity, so contacting a HVAC contractor may be necessary.

Check windows and door frames for leaks. If conditioned air is lost through cracks around your windows and doors, maintaining healthy humidity levels inside your home will be difficult.

If you do not already have one, consider installing a vapor barrier or sealing your crawlspace. This will prevent moisture from building up.

Landscape

Your landscaping also plays a role in pest control. Overgrown shrubbery and trees can cause moisture to build up around your home. Make sure to trim your plants regularly. Mow your lawn, too, to prevent grass blades from growing excessively.

Stink bugs are unappealing pests that can wreak havoc on your family's life. Fortunately, help is available. With these tips and your pest control team's help, you can prevent stink bugs and their odor from affecting your home.