Tumwater citizens love the transition from sunny summer days to a damp fall. However, the change in weather also signals the presence of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). These pests are becoming a common nuisance in Thurston County. Once they get in and make themselves at home, they can be tough to get rid of.
Stink bugs do not bite or damage structures like termites. However, when present in sheer numbers, they can release an unpleasant and strong odor. The good news is you can act now to prevent a massive fall invasion.
You do not want to let thousands of stink bugs use your house as their hibernation spot. Contact a Tumwater pest company to schedule your preventative exterior treatment and exclusion service.
The Stink Bug’s Strategy: Why Tumwater Homes Are Targets
Stink bugs are not a native species to Washington. They are an invasive species. They spend the summer months feeding on local plants, fruit trees, and gardens around Tumwater and the Black Hills area. But as soon as the temperature starts to drop below 50°F, they begin to find a warm place to spend their winter.
Tumwater has a mix of newer residential developments and older buildings near green spaces and the Deschutes River. These provide the perfect conditions for them to find entry. They especially look for tiny cracks in sun-warmed sides of the house. These include the south-facing gables or the eaves of the roof that capture heat during the day.
Here are some specific entry points that stink bugs target:
- Gaps in the window and door frames where the trim meets the siding. These are particularly on homes with cedar or board-and-batten siding.
- The unsealed areas around air conditioners, cables, and pipes leading to utility closets or crawl spaces.
- Gaps under the roofline where they can access the attic space.
- Open or loosely screened tops of chimneys and vents.
Step 1: Your DIY Exclusion Plan (The Defensive Line)
Since stink bugs primarily enter your property for shelter, the best defense is prevention.
Before winter arrives, conduct an inspection of all window and door screens. If you find any holes, repair or replace them immediately. For obvious gaps around the frames, you can use weather stripping and caulk.
For the utility perimeter, go outside and check where electrical wires, pipes, or cables enter the foundation or siding. If you find any openings, use silicone caulk to seal them. For vents and openings, fine mesh can work just fine. If you have a fireplace, close the damper when it is not in use.
Step 2: What NOT to Do When You Find Them
If it is already late and you find stink bugs in your Tumwater home, here are some important tips:
- Do not squash them: Squashing a stink bug causes it to smell. This releases the defensive chemical that gives them their name, and the smell can linger for hours.
- Do not vacuum them: The odor can get into your vacuum cleaner bag or canister. This will make your vacuum smell terrible every time you use it. If you must use a vacuum, use a dedicated shop vac with a disposable bag.
- To kill them safely: Take a jar of soapy water and flick these bugs inside. This kills them without triggering the odor. Then, you can safely dispose of the jar outside without any consequences.
Hundreds of these flat-backed pests can swarm inside your Tumwater home. Sometimes, simple fixes fail to stop the full-scale invasion. That is why Pointe Pest Control’s specialized approach is necessary.
Unlike general pest control, Pointe Pest Control specializes in installing a strong, preventative barrier specifically to interrupt the BMSB’s annual overwintering ritual. Their expert technicians time these treatments perfectly for the Thurston County fall. Schedule an inspection today!
