Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Spreading Throughout Mid-Atlantic States

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Experts at Western Pest Services, a New Jersey-based pest control company with branches throughout the Mid-Atlantic, warn that homeowners should act now to protect their homes from stink bugs this winter. Named for the unpleasant odor that is released when they are squashed, brown marmorated stink bugs first arrived in Allentown, Pa., from Southeast Asia in the mid-1990s and have since spread from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and other states. During this time, this insect has not only continued to expand its range, but it also has reproduced to create increasingly larger populations each year.

Halyomorpha halys, the brown marmorated stink bug's scientific name, typically flies onto the exterior of homes and businesses when the weather starts to cool around mid- to late-September or early October. Once active, these dime-sized pests begin to seek cracks and crevices to enter buildings to overwinter. Western's Wilmington, Del., branch already is fielding 20-50 calls a day for the stinky pests. Philadelphia and northern New Jersey have seen more limited activity to date but expect increasing numbers of stink bugs as cooler temperatures arrive.

"While stink bugs do not bite or damage property, they can be a major nuisance if they find a way inside homes for the winter. By proactively sealing up possible entry points and contacting a professional for targeted treatment in early fall, homeowners can effectively reduce the number of stink bugs and the accompanying odors that can invade their houses," said Phil Pierce, Western Pest Services technical services manager.

The brown marmorated stink bug can be recognized by its dull brown color and diamond-shaped, speckled back. Common entry points for these smelly pests include small cracks and crevices around air conditioning units, chimneys, attic vents, door and window frames, and gaps or holes in the foundation. Replacing screens, installing weather stripping and door sweeps, and using caulk to seal any cracks around the building can help keep these pests out. A targeted treatment from a pest management professional also can help reduce the number of stink bugs that get inside homes and businesses.

Brown marmorated stink bugs do not reproduce after they enter homes and businesses in the fall. Instead, stink bugs remain relatively inactive inside these buildings until the weather warms and it is time to reemerge, typically from mid-April to mid-June. Stinky odor aside, these pests are not indicative of poor sanitation and are not known to transmit disease.

About Western Pest Services

Founded in 1928, New Jersey-based Western Pest Services serves both residential and commercial customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Western is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Learn more about Western Pest Services and our Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Reduction Program by visiting www.westernpest.com or www.bugsruineverything.com. Learn more about Rollins by visiting www.rollins.com.

SOURCE Western Pest Services