How To Keep Your Home Stink Bug-Free This Fall

There are millions of them, they have no natural predators, and with the cooler months upon us, they have one goal in mind: forcing their way into your home. Thwarting those efforts can be tricky. 

The invasive brown marmorated stink bug hitched a ride to the U.S. from Asia in the 90s, arrived in North Carolina a decade ago, and now they're in 70 of the state's 100 counties. They hatch from trees in the spring, ravage fruit and vegetable crops in the summer, and these days, they're looking for a warm place to settle.

The problem is they release a horrible odor when threatened or squashed, and a quick catch and release often means they'll be back. Extermination experts recommend picking up the critters with a plastic bag or empty water bottle and leaving them outside in the cold to freeze. Both containers trap the smell and can be reused.

Preventing stink bugs from getting in is more involved. According to the Charlotte Observer, suggestions include sealing damaged door and window linings, checking for cracks around siding and behind chimneys, and replacing torn screens.