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1.) how do I get rid of s... #231013

Asked March 14, 2015, 8:03 PM EDT

1.) how do I get rid of stink bugs in my home? 2.) how do I get rid of lady bugs in my hometown?

Delaware County Ohio

Expert Response

There are a number of different insects, including stinkbugs and lady bugs that aggregate in buildings, including houses.  They tend to move into structures in the fall as they look for protected shelters to spend the winter.  

The best way to keep them out of your house is to seal up gaps and openings in windows, doorways, walls that the bugs can get through.  And they can get through seemingly very small openings.

Once inside a home, the best way to remove them is with a vacuum,  They will often aggregate in corners and on windowsills.  Vacuum them and then empty the vacuum bag into a plastic bag.  Seal that bag and put that in an outdoor trash can.  Lady bugs are beneficial insects, so you could vacuum those and then release them outside.

Using insecticides is not really effective.  Using an insecticide indoors may kill the ones you see, but you still have the dead bodies to clean up.  If you spray ones you see on the outside of your house, they will soon be replaced by new ones migrating into the area.

again, the best  strategy is to close off places they can get into your house and vacuum ones you see indoors.  Please note that both stinkbugs and lady bugs give off an unpleasant odor when handled and can stain fabrics if crushed, so resist the urge to smash them. 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 17, 2015, 1:58 PM EDT

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