Professional Stink Bug Control in Central Pennsylvania
If stink bugs are invading your home, you’re not alone. These smelly invaders are one of the most common seasonal pests in Pennsylvania homes. Knowing how to get rid of stink bugs requires more than quick sprays, which is why Dominion Pest Control uses targeted treatments to stop infestations at the source.
Dominion Pest Control provides proven stink bug control tailored to homes throughout Southcentral Pennsylvania.
Stink Bugs
How to Tell If You Have Stink Bugs
Even if you rarely see live stink bugs crawling around, the evidence they leave behind is unmistakable once you know what to look for:
- Frequent sightings on sunny windowsills, walls, and door frames
- Small shield-shaped brown bugs on interior walls or in attics
- A pungent, cilantro-like or rotten odor when bugs are disturbed or crushed
- Bugs emerging inside during warm winter days
- Small, dark specks or brownish stains on surfaces (yes, those are their droppings)
Stink bugs can overwinter inside wall voids, attics, and behind trim, leading homeowners to believe there is a “new” infestation each year. They especially love vinyl siding because of tiny entry points leading to cozy winter shelter.
What Are the Most Common Stink Bug Species Found in PA?
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
The most frequent offender in Pennsylvania homes is the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), an invasive species originally from East Asia that was first documented in Allentown, Pennsylvania in the late 1990s.
“Marmorated” refers to the bug’s “marble”-like markings.
These bugs have since become widespread throughout the state. Find more information from the Penn State Extension’s BMSB report.
They are:
- Shield-shaped, mottled brown and gray insects
- About the size of a penny (about 1/2 to 5/8 inch (12-17 mm) long)
- Drawn to warmth and light
- Drawn to fruits, vegetables, and soybeans
While harmless in terms of biting or damaging structures, they are a severe nuisance, especially when they cluster in large numbers. They can become significant agricultural pests.
When Are Stink Bugs Most Active in Pennsylvania?
Stink bug activity in PA follows the seasons:
- Late Summer to Early Fall — Adults begin searching for overwintering sites, gathering on warm, sunny walls in towns throughout Central and Southcentral Pa and the Susquehanna Valley in general.
- Fall through Early Winter — As temperatures drop, stink bugs invade homes through tiny gaps around windows, siding, and rooflines. Their ability to find and fit into small crevices and gaps is impressive (and frustrating).
- Winter — Bugs remain dormant but can become active on unusually warm afternoons.
- Spring — They attempt to exit and may be seen indoors again before returning outside.
Homes near farmland, orchards, wooded areas, or older construction with multiple potential entry points see the highest stink bug pressure, particularly around landmarks like the Susquehanna River valley and Appalachian foothills.
South- and west-facing walls heat up during the day, particularly on clear afternoons, and that warmth attracts them. Homes with light-colored siding, brick, or stone tend to draw even more activity because those materials retain heat longer.
It is very common for homeowners to see dozens or even hundreds of stink bugs clustered on one side of the house, especially around windows, soffits, eaves, and upper stories. This behavior is often the warning sign that they are about to move indoors through tiny gaps and openings.
Signs of an Infestation
A true infestation is more than a one-off sighting. You may have an infestation if:
- Bugs are seen in multiple rooms over time
- They repeatedly return each season
- You notice them near light fixtures, in attics, or behind trim
- A lingering odor persists even after removal
Our professional technicians can deploy stink bug control at any time, focusing heavily on exterior perimeter treatments and high-reach applications before or after a stink bug infestation occurs at your property.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in the House (Quickly and Permanently)
The most effective stink bug control combines professional exterior barriers, thorough inspections, and exclusion work.
Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive property inspection
- Perimeter treatments focused on entry points
- Sealing gaps around windows, doors, vents, and soffits
- Targeted treatments in vulnerable areas
Our pest treatment methods target the root entry points, not just visible bugs, increasing long-term success.
For homeowners who want to see how professional services are applied, you can see an actual treatment of stink bugs.
Common Options We Do Not Recommend
In many cases, at-home sprays and foggers give a false sense of control. These options:
- Often fail to reach high entry points like rooflines and eaves
- Provide short-lived results
- Do not address the source of repeated invasions
- Can leave odors if you crush them
DIY dusts and repellents may have limited short-term effect but are not substitutes for professional exclusion and barrier services.
When Is the Best Time to Seek Stink Bug Treatment?
The best time to address stink bug control is before bugs enter homes in large numbers, typically late summer through early fall. However, professional treatment can still significantly reduce problems even in winter and early spring for homes experiencing recurring activity.
Dominion Pest Control has been recognized for its stink bug expertise by WGAL News 8, and our professional prevention methods continue to be used to help reduce infestations in Pennsylvania homes.
Stink Bug Prevention: Next Steps
Long-term stink bug prevention includes:
- Routine home inspections for gaps and cracks
- Weather-stripping and caulking vulnerable openings
- Installing door sweeps on exterior doors
- Trimming vegetation and clearing debris near foundations
- Scheduling annual exterior pest control services
Stink bugs return each year if entry points remain untreated. Preventative service plans are the most effective way to keep these nuisance pests outside where they belong.
If you’re dealing with persistent stink bug problems around your home, Dominion Pest Control offers customized solutions and expert technicians who understand the challenges Pennsylvania homeowners face. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and start protecting your home.
Pricing
Pricing depends on:
- Size and layout of the structure
- Number of active areas
- Attic, crawlspace, or commercial service needs
- Exclusion work required
- Whether ongoing monitoring is requested
Most residential properties in our area fall within standard pricing ranges.
Warranty
Most services include warranty coverage if stink bug activity continues during the covered period. Extended plans are available for long-term protection.
Stink Bug Control: Debunking Myths And Revealing Effective Strategies
Are you tired of dealing with those pesky stink bugs invading your home? Well, you’re not alone! Many homeowners, just like you, are seeking effective strategies for stink bug control, to eliminate these nuisance insects.
For effective stink bug control, it’s important to understand the myths surrounding them. In this post we debunk a few common myths surrounding stink bugs and concentrate on providing you with accurate information to tackle these pesky invaders. So, let’s separate fact from fiction and arm you with the knowledge you need to keep stink bugs at bay.
Learn Myth VS Fact About Stink Bugs
