They can, but living next to woods does not automatically mean a home will have a stink bug problem.
Stink bugs live outside when it’s warm and they can eat all kinds of plants. This changes in the winter. For homes that happen to be close to the woods or simply have a lot of dense landscaping or gardens nearby, stink bugs are likely to be a familiar presence. But proximity to the woods is just one factor.
The most noticeable problems usually hit in the fall when stink bugs start searching for winter shelter. They like sun-warmed walls. If there happen to be structural gaps on those walls or the roofline, they can use those to get inside easily.
Even next-door neighbors in the exact same woods can have very different pest problems. A tightly sealed house naturally keeps bugs out far better than a drafty one. But structural integrity is far from the only factor. In fact, the color of your siding and how much sunlight hits the building can both influence how many insects gather on your property.
It is worth checking your window screens, door seals, and siding transitions before fall insects start gathering in large numbers. Sealing these exterior gaps works well, but as you do that, make sure you don't accidentally block vents that you need for proper airflow. Stink bugs that make it inside generally spend winter hidden in protected spaces. Once they make it inside, you likely won’t see them again until warm spells in mid-winter or the arrival of spring. But by the time that happens, they’re already inside. That’s why it’s better to prevent them from getting inside.
If stink bugs are gathering around or entering your home, Mosquito Squad of Northern Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess County can help with pest control around your property. Call (914) 353-4921 or request a free quote online.
