As autumn graces Michigan, the cider mill visits, the captivating transformation of leaves, and the vibrant football season are eagerly anticipated. However, it’s also the season when those bothersome stink bugs commence their infiltration of our homes and gardens.
Originating in Asia, the brown marmorated stink bug made its way to Michigan over a decade ago. While this potentially malodorous insect poses minimal threat to pets and humans, its presence can be detrimental to our agricultural and horticultural endeavors. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, these stink bugs have a penchant for feasting on tree fruits, seed pods, and various vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, beans, and sweet corn. Their feeding habits often result in damaged crops, leaving behind areas of rot that render the produce unsuitable for sale.
Fortifying Your Dwelling
Stink bugs possess the uncanny ability to infiltrate your abode through the tiniest of crevices or openings. They are drawn to warmth and will go to great lengths to gain access as the temperatures drop. Any minute gap in your window seals or between the front door and the floor is an open invitation for these pests.
Ensure the meticulous sealing of your windows, and promptly address any crevices in doors, pipes, vents, chimneys, and other openings to deter stink bugs from entering. Consider replacing or repairing any damaged window or door screens around your residence to fortify your defenses.
Harnessing Household Ingredients
Stink bugs have an aversion to the pungent aroma of garlic, making it a simple yet effective repellent. Crush a few garlic cloves and place them in a dish near windows or entryways prone to stink bug intrusion. Alternatively, mint can be employed to deter these pests, particularly in your garden. Planting mint or scattering crushed mint leaves at the base of other plants can help keep the bugs at bay.
Keep a Vacuum Handy and Avoid Crushing
Stink bugs earn their moniker due to the noxious odor they emit when crushed, reminiscent of the skunk’s scent. The resulting malodor is both offensive and enduring. When dealing with multiple stink bugs in your home or on your property, the least odorous method of disposal is to vacuum them. Afterward, replace the vacuum bag or clean the bagless vacuum with vinegar to prevent the odor from lingering in the air.
In the event of a few stink bugs in your home, you can also submerge them in a glass of soapy water, which will effectively dispatch them. Alternatively, use a tissue to capture the bug and flush it down the toilet. However, the Farmers’ Almanac cautions that this method can be wasteful in terms of water usage if employed frequently.
Sprays and Traps
For added protection, you can invest in commercial stink bug traps or sprays to safeguard your garden. These traps are ingeniously designed to attract and ensnare stink bugs. Alternatively, you can procure a spray from retailers such as Lowe’s, Walmart, or your local hardware store to prevent a stink bug invasion from taking place.
In conclusion, as the vibrant Michigan autumn unfolds, the anticipation of cider mill visits, the spectacle of leaves changing hues, and the fervor of football season are accompanied by the annual intrusion of stink bugs. Employing these proactive measures can help ensure a more pleasant season, free from the vexation of these unwelcome guests.
