According to the Mirror, the stink bug may be making its way over to Britain, which could prove problematic for homeowners susceptible to an infestation. With its home breeding ground in Asia, ships delivering goods could be carrying these little ‘stinkers’ overseas and here at Empire Pest Control we don’t feel very happy about that!
Max Barclay, an Entomologist at London’s Natural History Museum said: “It is only a matter of time before it sets up home in the UK.”
“I think the brown marmorated stink bug will establish a population here. It will make its presence felt fairly quickly because it comes into people’s homes in the autumn and winter.”
The Mirror states that a cluster of these pests has already been found on timber being shipped to Great Britain.
Senior Entomologist of the Food and Environment Research Agency, Chris Malumphy, added: “I don’t expect plague proportions here, but they make an evil, repellent odour to ward off predators. So a large number of bugs coming into your house is a rather compelling public nuisance.” Click here for the best pest control in London today.
But do they pose a threat?
Well, stink bugs have a tendency to ruin crops by feasting on plants and fruits. This could make harvest difficult for farmers and cause a shortage of fresh produce. In addition, they make a habit of swarming properties in search of warmth, and because of their tiny stature, getting inside isn’t really an issue.
As mentioned, stink bugs let off an unpleasant odour when they feel threatened by a predator or when they are squashed. This makes eliminating them without triggering their defence mechanism increasingly difficult.
However, while eradicating the issue may be difficult, there are several prevention methods UK homeowners can take in order to stop them invading your property such pest control whihc you can view here.
Below we have listed a couple of ways to keep your home stink (bug) free:
- Identify all possible entry points in your home (this includes cracks in walls and flooring and openings around windows and doors. Other types of structural damage may also pose as a risk of an infestation.)
- Border the openings around windows and doors to seal gaps. You can use caulk for this.
- If you have open vents or you’re unsure about your attic, you can prevent entry by installing a layer of screen over any major entry points.
If you do experience a stink bug invasion, it is recommended to get in touch with a professional such as www.empirepestcontrol.co.uk. Though these insects haven’t officially declared the UK as their new home, there’s no harm in being prepared. Because of this, it is recommended to have the number of a pest control expert local to you noted down.
Leave a Reply