We live on a farm near Martinsburg, WV. In the past year we have had a problem with stink bugs in our home. The original parts of the house date from the 1700s, older parts of the house are log with chinking. We are also having a problem with box elder bugs. Last year the box elders were not as bad. The house is 2 story, about 3200 sq ft with a full atic and partial basement. I wonder if you could give us a plan of attack.
Thank you.
If you take a little time to review our online articles on these pests, you’ll see they both are invasive insects which tend to return each year if left untreated. Since it’s winter now, I’m sure you’re seeing them inside living areas. For immediate control, use the D-FORCE AEROSOL in these spaces which have live insect activity. Treating the molding and other cracks and crevices which lead into the room will help keep kill what’s there as well as keep new ones out. You should also treat the light fixtures and behind electric outlet covers with the DELTAMETHRIN DUST. This will last a long time making these entry points unusable for any insect.
In our BOXELDER BUG and STINKBUG CONTROL articles you’ll also see we mention dusting attic spaces with the Deltamethrin Dust. This will make this key nest area uninhabitable by either pest. It will also take care of warm weather insects like wasps and bees. And treatments in the attic can last a year or more so you don’t have to do this frequently.
Lastly, you’ll need to spray the outside of the home with some CYPERMETHRIN this spring as these nuisance pests begin to exit the home. This will happen when it warms so there is no exact date as to when you need to treat. The key to be effective is to have a good barrier in place when they do start to emerge and forage. The first week or so when they come out of winter hiding, they’ll tend to stay on the house most of the time making them vulnerable. You’ll be able to see subtle activity around the home at this time and when you do, treat with the Cypermethrin. This will get the ones which know about your house and by reducing this number as they leave in the spring you won’t have to worry about them returning next fall. The net result will be a big drop off in the number that invade and ultimately, the number you’ll be seeing next winter at this time. If done right, you should be able to knock out 95% or more of this population between now and then; within two years the problem should be gone.
Both boxelder bugs and stink bugs are invasive pests which like to over winter in homes and other man made structures. The first few years when they’re active won’t be bad but eventually the problem will get out of control if left untreated. Follow the guidelines listed in our articles and you’ll be able to keep them minimized and over time, eradicated. If you have further questions or concerns, please give us a call on our toll free at 1-800-877-7290.
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