It may feel like stink bugs have been around forever, especially if you’re a member of the current generation. However, they weren’t always a worldwide problem. They only came to North America in the 1990s, when they were accidentally imported from Asia. From there, the invasive species had an easy time becoming a nuisance pest. Read on to learn more about how this happened.
How Stink Bugs Initially Spread
The first stink bugs in the US were found in Pennsylvania, where they overwintered in homes, office buildings and warehouses. Later on, they expanded into farms and forests, where they would cause destruction with their eating habits. They were able to spread so quickly because they have few natural predators and numerous food sources.
Where You Can Find Stink Bugs Now
Stink bugs continue to be difficult to eliminate for various reasons, not the least of which is ever-increasing global trade. While they could originally only be found in the US and Asian countries, they can now be found in other parts of North America and in South America. Australia and New Zealand in particular have strict import measures to keep these pests out due to the damage they can cause.
Why Stink Bugs Keep Spreading
Recent studies have shown that along with global trade, having few predators and having numerous food sources, climate change has made it even easier for stink bugs to continue to spread. They can thrive in various climates, and with rising global temperatures, the number of places with livable climates for them continues to increase.
The Problems Stink Bugs Cause
When stink bugs invade your home, they’re what’s known as a nuisance pest. This means that they don’t pose a threat to the health or livelihood of anyone in your home. What gives them their full-on pest status is the destruction they cause to crops. The problem with stink bugs is that they enjoy a variety of different foods, and when they find a crop they like, they will feed on the leaf and fruit tissue. They damage the crops this way and by spoiling them when they’re crushed. With these habits, they’ve destroyed a substantial amount of crops in the US.
Finding Stink Bugs in Your Home
Controlling the stink bug population worldwide is still something we are working toward figuring out. However, taking care of an infestation in your home, especially if it hasn’t gotten unwieldy, can be simple. Carefully vacuum up the bugs, seal the vacuum bag, and throw it out immediately. If the infestation can’t be taken care of with a vacuum cleaner, or if you simply don’t want to deal with it, call the pest control pros. They’ll know exactly where to look and what to do.
Stink bugs continue to spread worldwide, and they often find their way into people’s homes when they’re in search of shelter. If stink bugs have become a West Des Moines pest control problem for you, the team at Pro-Staff can help. Call us at 515-279-7378 or contact us online for a free inspection.
