Think Before You Squish

Notorious for their "smelly" reputation, stink bugs enter homes during the winter months, leaving homeowners looking for ways to ward off these invaders. With their tendency to release an odor when disturbed or crushed, it is critical to know how to properly dispose of these pests, and is as important as preventing them from entering the home. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) provides tips for homeowners to prevent these pests from invading homes and property.

"Stink bugs have been increasing in number since the mid-1990s," says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "We are also seeing an increase in activity by other invasive species similar to the stink bug such as Formosan termites and fire ants."

Like other invasive species, stink bugs are difficult insects to control once they infest a structure or food source. Although stink bugs do not pose a health risk to humans, their presence alone can be unsightly and a potentially odoriferous inconvenience for homeowners. Even though these insects do not reproduce inside structures such as houses, they cause concern when they become active and conspicuous