Stink Bug Season in Charlottesville and What First-Time Homeowners Should Know
Stink bugs gather on Charlottesville homes each fall because adults leave plants in late September and October to find a protected winter shelter, and warm sunny walls are where they land. For a first-time homeowner the crowd can look alarming, but the bugs are harmless to people and a few sealing steps usually stop them. Our overview of common summer pests in the Charlottesville area describes stink bugs as part of the statewide pattern across Virginia.
Three Stink Bug Myths First-Time Owners Hear
Properties Near Fields and Orchards See Bigger Numbers
Brown marmorated stink bugs feed on many kinds of plants, including tree fruits, small fruits, and vegetables, according to Washington State University Extension. Albemarle County properties near orchards, vineyards, and fields sit close to that food source, so flights onto nearby homes in fall tend to be heavier.
Your First-Fall Plan
Seal gaps around windows, doors, siding, and pipes in early fall, repair screens, and fit door sweeps. Vacuum any bugs that get inside and discard the bag outdoors. A seasonal visit adds a treatment of the foundation, eaves, and yard on top of the sealing.
Common Questions About Stink Bugs in Charlottesville
Do I need to treat for stink bugs in my first year?
Sealing the exterior handles most stink bug problems. A seasonal service adds a perimeter treatment and a check of your entry points if the bugs keep coming back.
What should a fair quote include?
A quote should list how many visits are included each year, what each visit treats, and whether service calls between visits are free. Ask for those three things in writing from any provider.
Are stink bugs worse near orchards?
Often, yes. Stink bugs feed on tree fruits and other crops, so homes near orchards, vineyards, and fields tend to get heavier flights in fall.
Does pest control cover stink bugs?
Frontline Pest Control's seasonal service treats the foundation, eaves, and yard, and a technician can confirm how stink bugs fit your plan at your address. Sealing entry points remains the most effective step.
Not sure what to do about the stink bugs on your new house? Call Frontline Pest Control at 443-961-2816 and we'll help you figure out the right next step.