Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, October 7, 2013
(UNDATED) - They’re coming in large numbers and with a big appetite.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is invading Indiana.
Purdue Professor Rick Foster says the bugs are looking for shelter in the fall and are invading homes.
However, he says the real danger comes from the damage they cause to fruit trees, corn and other crops.
One Man's Solution
John Gramm, whose home was covered with them, decided to fight back.
Gramm has tested out an arsenal of sprays, squirt bottles, pesticides, and soaps. He claims he's found one cheap and environmentally safe solution that kills the bugs: Dawn detergent.
Gramm explained, "I use a third cup of Dawn and the rest water, and give it a couple of squirts, squirt the bug suds him up, and he's history."
Gramm and a number of bloggers say it is effective, though we found it to be a little messy.
Longer Term Solutions
Jerry Zapf of Sure Thing pest control says the best way to keep them out of your home is to caulk cracks and crevices -- especially around air conditioners -- as they are drawn to the homes' heat at night.
He says make sure the weatherstripping is tight around vents and garage doors. "It is extremely important. That is the real key of slowing down the migration of these insects."
Under eaves, you can hire a professional to spray pesticide, which keeps them from crawling in.
In the attic, meantime, you can hang fly paper or a bug zapper to kill those that get in.
Other Remedies
Meantime, online blogs have dozens of other home remedies to fight the bugs, from Lysol, to WD-40, to spraying perfume on your window screens.
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