As the cool autumn air sets in across Pennsylvania, many homeowners start noticing more than falling leaves around their property. Stink bugs — those shield-shaped, brown insects — begin showing up on windows, walls, and door frames in surprising numbers. While they’re mostly harmless, their presence can quickly become overwhelming. Once they get inside, they can linger all winter long, waiting to reemerge in spring.
If you’re searching for reliable stink bug control in Pennsylvania, you’re not alone. Every fall, these pests become one of the top seasonal complaints for homeowners in the state. In this article, we’ll explain why stink bugs invade in autumn, how they get inside, and the most effective steps to prevent them from taking over your home.
The most common stink bug in Pennsylvania is the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). Originally from Asia, they were first identified in the U.S. in the late 1990s -- right here in Pennsylvania. Since then, they’ve spread across the country, thriving in agricultural areas and residential neighborhoods.
Stink bugs are named for the strong odor they release when crushed or threatened. While they don’t bite, sting, or spread disease, they create headaches for homeowners because:
During the warm months, stink bugs feed outdoors. But as fall arrives, they look for warm, sheltered places to survive the winter. Unfortunately, that often means your home.
Why Stink Bugs Are a Problem in the Fall
Common Entry Points for Stink Bugs
How to Prevent Stink Bugs from Entering
What to Do If Stink Bugs Are Already Inside
Professional Stink Bug Control in Pennsylvania
Why DIY Stink Bug Solutions Fall Short
If you’re searching for reliable stink bug control in Pennsylvania, you’re not alone. Every fall, these pests become one of the top seasonal complaints for homeowners in the state. In this article, we’ll explain why stink bugs invade in autumn, how they get inside, and the most effective steps to prevent them from taking over your home.
What Are Stink Bugs and Why Do They Invade Homes?
The most common stink bug in Pennsylvania is the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). Originally from Asia, they were first identified in the U.S. in the late 1990s -- right here in Pennsylvania. Since then, they’ve spread across the country, thriving in agricultural areas and residential neighborhoods.
Stink bugs are named for the strong odor they release when crushed or threatened. While they don’t bite, sting, or spread disease, they create headaches for homeowners because:
- They gather in large groups on siding, windows, and screens.
- They release an unpleasant smell when disturbed.
- They can damage fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants outside.
During the warm months, stink bugs feed outdoors. But as fall arrives, they look for warm, sheltered places to survive the winter. Unfortunately, that often means your home.
Why Stink Bugs Are a Problem in the Fall
Like many insects, stink bugs can’t tolerate freezing temperatures. When the weather cools in September and October, they instinctively begin searching for overwintering sites. Houses, garages, sheds, and attics provide the perfect refuge.
What Does “Overwintering” Mean?
When temperatures drop in the fall, many insects face a survival challenge: how to make it through the freezing months ahead. This is where the concept of overwintering comes in. Overwintering is the term used to describe how pests like stink bugs, lady beetles, and cluster flies find sheltered places to survive the winter without freezing to death. They enter a kind of dormant state, conserving energy until warmer weather returns in the spring.
For stink bugs in Pennsylvania, overwintering often means sneaking into homes, garages, sheds, and even wall voids. Unlike pests that remain active all year, overwintering insects don’t eat, reproduce, or cause direct damage during the winter months. Instead, they hide quietly in protected spaces, waiting for spring. However, their presence indoors can still be frustrating — especially when warm winter days cause them to “wake up” and wander around inside your home.
The key challenge with overwintering pests is that once they’ve found a way into your home, they can be nearly impossible to remove completely until the weather warms up. That’s why prevention in the fall is so important. Sealing entry points, repairing screens, and working with a pest professional for exterior treatments can dramatically reduce the number of insects that attempt to overwinter inside your house.
Once inside, stink bugs don’t actively reproduce during winter, but they can:
For stink bugs in Pennsylvania, overwintering often means sneaking into homes, garages, sheds, and even wall voids. Unlike pests that remain active all year, overwintering insects don’t eat, reproduce, or cause direct damage during the winter months. Instead, they hide quietly in protected spaces, waiting for spring. However, their presence indoors can still be frustrating — especially when warm winter days cause them to “wake up” and wander around inside your home.
The key challenge with overwintering pests is that once they’ve found a way into your home, they can be nearly impossible to remove completely until the weather warms up. That’s why prevention in the fall is so important. Sealing entry points, repairing screens, and working with a pest professional for exterior treatments can dramatically reduce the number of insects that attempt to overwinter inside your house.
Once inside, stink bugs don’t actively reproduce during winter, but they can:
- Hide in attics, basements, and wall voids until spring.
- Appear suddenly on windows during warm winter days.
- Re-emerge in spring, creating a repeat nuisance.
For Pennsylvania homeowners, fall is the critical time to stop stink bugs from gaining access to your home.
Common Entry Points for Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are flat and resourceful, able to squeeze through tiny cracks. Some of their favorite entry points include:
- Gaps around windows, doors, and siding.
- Cracks in foundations or brickwork.
- Loose or damaged window and door screens.
- Openings around chimneys, attic vents, and utility pipes.
- Unsealed spaces under roof eaves or soffits.
Knowing how they get in is the first step toward effective stink bug control in your Lancaster area home.
How to Prevent Stink Bugs from Entering
The best way to deal with stink bugs is to stop them before they come indoors. Here are some effective prevention tips:
- Seal Cracks and Crevices: Inspect your home carefully in early fall. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows, doors, siding, and foundations. Pay extra attention to the attic and basement, which are common entry points.
- Repair or Replace Screens. Check that all window and door screens fit tightly and are free of holes. Don’t forget attic vents, crawl space openings, and chimney caps.
- Adjust Outdoor Lighting. Like many insects, stink bugs are drawn to lights. Switching to yellow “bug lights” and reducing outdoor lighting at night can make your home less attractive.
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Maintain Landscaping. Trim shrubs, trees, and plants so they don’t touch your home. Stink bugs often rest on vegetation before moving to nearby buildings.
- Secure Attics and Crawl Spaces. These hidden areas are prime stink bug hiding spots. Make sure vents are screened and access doors are sealed.
What to Do If Stink Bugs Are Already Inside
Even with the best prevention, some stink bugs may still slip indoors. Here’s how to handle them safely:
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Avoid Crushing Them: Crushing releases their odor. Instead, gently capture them with a jar or tissue and dispose of them outside.
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Use a Vacuum Cleaner: A quick way to remove large numbers, but beware — the smell can linger in your vacuum bag.
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Don’t Rely on DIY Sprays: Over-the-counter sprays are rarely effective for stink bugs and may be unsafe for your family or pets.
- Call a Professional: If the problem feels overwhelming, contact Lanser Pest Solutions for long-lasting pest control solutions.
Professional Stink Bug Control in Pennsylvania
At Lanser Pest Solutions, we specialize in keeping fall invaders like stink bugs out of your home. Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Inspecting your home for entry points.
- Applying safe, targeted treatments around the perimeter.
- Offering exclusion tips to keep pests from returning.
- Providing ongoing seasonal protection.
Unlike temporary DIY fixes, professional treatments address the root of the problem, giving you lasting relief.
Why DIY Stink Bug Solutions Fall Short
Many homeowners try DIY remedies, such as essential oils, homemade sprays, or sticky traps. While these may catch a few insects, they don’t stop stink bugs from entering in the first place. In some cases, DIY methods can make infestations worse by driving stink bugs deeper into your walls.
Stink bugs are one of the most common fall invaders in Pennsylvania homes. As temperatures drop, they start looking for warm hiding spots — and if your home isn’t prepared, they’ll move right in. By sealing cracks, repairing screens, and reducing outdoor attractants, you can reduce your risk of an infestation.
But when prevention isn’t enough, Lanser Pest Solutions is here to help. With professional stink bug control tailored to Pennsylvania homes, we’ll protect your property so you can have peace of mind throughout fall and winter.
Don’t let stink bugs take over your home this season. Contact us today to schedule your fall pest service and keep these unwelcome guests where they belong — outdoors.
Stink bugs are one of the most common fall invaders in Pennsylvania homes. As temperatures drop, they start looking for warm hiding spots — and if your home isn’t prepared, they’ll move right in. By sealing cracks, repairing screens, and reducing outdoor attractants, you can reduce your risk of an infestation.
But when prevention isn’t enough, Lanser Pest Solutions is here to help. With professional stink bug control tailored to Pennsylvania homes, we’ll protect your property so you can have peace of mind throughout fall and winter.
Don’t let stink bugs take over your home this season. Contact us today to schedule your fall pest service and keep these unwelcome guests where they belong — outdoors.