As the temperatures drop in Alexandria, VA, many homeowners start noticing an influx of stink bugs trying to get inside. These pests aren’t just annoying—they release a foul odor when disturbed, making them an unwelcome guest in any home. If you’ve been spotting stink bugs around your windows, walls, or even inside your house, you’re not alone. Let’s take a look at why they invade in the fall and what you can do to keep them out.
Why Are Stink Bugs So Active in the Fall in Alexandria, VA?
Stink bugs, specifically the brown marmorated stink bug, are a major nuisance in Alexandria. They aren’t native to the area but have become a persistent problem over the years. Here’s why they show up in large numbers when fall arrives:
- Seeking Warmth – As temperatures cool down, stink bugs search for a warm place to overwinter. Homes, garages, and attics provide the perfect shelter.
- Attracted to Light & Heat – They’re drawn to sunny sides of buildings, especially homes with south- and west-facing windows.
- Overwintering Behavior – Stink bugs don’t reproduce inside homes, but they will huddle in hidden areas like attics, wall voids, and basements until spring.
How Stink Bugs Get Inside Your Home
Stink bugs are sneaky invaders, and they can slip through small openings in:
- Window and door gaps
- Attic vents and soffits
- Gaps around siding and trim
- Chimneys and exhaust vents
Once inside, they remain dormant through the winter. But on warmer days, you might see them crawling on walls or ceilings as they react to indoor heating.
Best Ways to Prevent Stink Bugs in Alexandria
If you don’t want to deal with stink bugs making themselves at home, fall is the time to act. Here’s what you can do to stop them:
1. Seal Entry Points
- Inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, vents, and utility openings.
- Apply weather stripping and caulk to seal cracks.
- Install door sweeps to prevent entry under doors.
2. Reduce Outdoor Attractants
- Keep porch lights off when not needed—stink bugs are drawn to bright lights.
- Remove or relocate indoor plants near windows, as stink bugs may gather around them.
3. Use Physical Barriers
- Keep window screens intact and repair any tears.
- Install fine mesh screens over attic vents and chimneys.
4. Vacuum Instead of Squashing
- If you find stink bugs indoors, vacuum them up instead of crushing them. Squishing them releases their unpleasant odor.
- Empty the vacuum bag immediately to prevent lingering smells.
5. Call a Professional for Ongoing Protection
Stink bugs can be difficult to control once they’ve made their way inside. At Alta Pest Control, we offer treatments that create a protective barrier around your home, keeping stink bugs and other fall pests out. If you’re struggling with an infestation, we can help you take back your home.
Get Stink Bug Protection in Alexandria Today
If stink bugs have already moved in, don’t wait for them to disappear on their own. Give Alta Pest Control a call today to schedule an inspection and learn how we can keep your home stink bug-free.
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