Stink Bug Control in Reno, NV

Frequently Asked Questions

When Do Stink Bugs Typically Enter Reno Homes?

Stink bugs typically begin seeking entry into Reno homes during the late summer and early fall as the weather starts to cool. They are looking for a warm, secure place to spend the winter in a dormant state, a process known as overwintering. They will congregate on the sunny exterior walls of your house, searching for small cracks, gaps, or holes to squeeze through. While they are mainly seen entering in the fall, you may also notice them emerging inside your living spaces during warmer winter days or in the early spring. This seasonal behavior is the main reason they become such a nuisance to homeowners.

Do Stink Bugs Cause Damage to My House?

Fortunately, brown marmorated stink bugs do not cause structural damage to the physical elements of your house, such as wood beams or wiring. Unlike termites or carpenter ants, they do not bore into wood or reproduce inside wall voids. Their primary source of damage is to agricultural crops, not your home itself. The main residential issue they cause is the potential for staining on fabrics, curtains, or light-colored surfaces when they are crushed. Their sheer presence in large numbers, along with their foul odor, makes them a nuisance, but they are not destructive to the building structure.

Are Stink Bugs Harmful to Humans or Pets?

Stink bugs are generally considered nuisance pests and are not harmful to humans or common household pets. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases, making them non-toxic. The primary risk to humans is the unpleasant, lingering odor they release when they feel threatened or are accidentally crushed. If a pet, such as a dog or cat, eats a few stink bugs, they may experience minor irritation, excessive drooling, or vomiting due to the foul-tasting secretions. However, the bugs are not poisonous, and pets typically learn quickly to avoid eating them.

Is Extermination Safe for My Family and Pets?

Yes, professional stink bug control conducted by licensed experts is safe for your family and pets when proper methods are used. Reputable companies utilize targeted, low-toxicity products that are applied primarily to the exterior perimeter and specific entry points of your home. This approach focuses on creating a protective barrier and is designed to eliminate pests without posing a risk to those inside. We always follow strict safety protocols and inform you of any necessary precautions during and immediately following the treatment application. Rest assured that the safety of your loved ones is always our highest priority.

Can Stink Bugs Reproduce Inside My House?

No, the most common species of stink bugs that invade Reno homes, the brown marmorated stink bug, does not typically reproduce indoors. These pests enter homes in the fall solely to find a safe, warm space to enter a dormant state for the winter. They do not feed on household materials and generally remain inactive in wall voids, attics, or crawl spaces until spring. Reproduction occurs outdoors once they emerge from the overwintering sites and begin feeding on plants and crops again. Therefore, the goal of indoor pest control is removal and sealing, not addressing an active breeding cycle.

How Long Does the Treatment Last?

The longevity of a professional stink bug treatment often depends on the specific product used and the nature of the application. Typically, a quality perimeter treatment designed for stink bug exclusion can remain effective for several weeks or even months, especially through the critical fall invasion period. Many companies recommend a preventative service applied in late summer or early fall to create a lasting barrier before the bugs seek shelter. To ensure year-round protection and handle emerging pests, many Reno homeowners choose recurring, scheduled maintenance plans that provide continuous defense and warranty the results.