Yes. Cooling fall temperatures trigger stink bugs to begin searching for protected places where they can spend the winter.
When the weather turns, stink bugs want to get out of the cold. Your house happens to be one of the better ways to go about that goal. It’s a good shelter and once they’re inside they can hide in attics and wall voids where they will remain undisturbed for a long time.
During warmer months, stink bugs remain outdoors and feed on plants. As fall approaches, adult bugs begin looking for dry, protected overwintering sites. You can notice this behavior when they start massing on sunlit exterior walls on your home. Once there, they can start looking for openings into your structure like windows, doors, siding, soffits, attic vents, rooflines, and utility penetrations. Small gaps can lead into wall voids or attic spaces where the insects can remain through winter.
If you notice a huge increase in stink bug activity after a few warm fall afternoons, then this is why. Bugs might be responding to both seasonal cooling and temporary warmth on the building surface. Once inside, stink bugs usually remain largely inactive. A sunny winter day or indoor heat may wake some of them and send them wandering into living areas.
It’s best to prevent stink bugs from getting inside in the first place. It’s tough to get them out once they’re inside. Inspect exterior seams and repair damaged screens and seals, and seal unnecessary gaps. If you notice stink bugs consistently clustering on a specific exterior wall, make that area a priority during your inspection. Insects naturally flock to these sun-warmed surfaces, making it highly likely you will find hidden entry points right nearby.
If stink bugs are becoming a problem around your Greater Lansing property, Mosquito Squad of Greater Lansing can help with pest control around the property. Call (517) 798-8681 or request a free quote online.
