They can, but warmth and sun exposure are usually more important than siding color alone.
Stink bugs are a lot more noticeable around houses in the fall. That’s because that’s exactly when adult bugs start looking for sheltered places to spend the colder months. On warm and sunny days, they often gather in large numbers on exterior walls.
It might surprise you, but stink bugs have a preference when it comes to walls. They tend to go for light-colored siding on sun-warmed walls, often south- or west-facing. These walls tend to warm up a lot more, which attracts even more activity.
Bugs on exterior walls aren’t a big deal on their own. What happens next matters more to homeowners. Once stink bugs gather on the exterior, they may begin exploring cracks and gaps around window frames, doors, siding transitions, soffits, vents, rooflines, and utility penetrations. Those openings can lead into wall voids and attics where stink bugs can comfortably ride out the winter.
If you see a lot of stink bugs gathering on the wall on a sunny afternoon, pay attention to that area. It can show you where you need to start sealing gaps. When one side of your Sandhills home constantly attracts stink bugs, start your search for entry points right there. Fix broken screens or worn seals, but make sure you don't accidentally block the vents your house needs to breathe.
Once stink bugs get inside, they tend to stay there and hide throughout the winter. Indoor heat or mild winter days can sometimes make them active again, which is why homeowners often see them all of a sudden in the middle of February. But by the time this happens to you, the stink bugs may already have been inside for quite some time.
If stink bugs are gathering around or entering your home, Mosquito Squad of The Sandhills can help with pest control around the property. Call (910) 387-5983 or request a free quote online.
