They're everywhere: outside the house, trying to get in, and inside the house, trying to be as creepy as possible. Stink bugs are all over Central New York.

These invaders are crawling all over homes in Central New York, looking for a place to live in time for winter. The creepy crawlies are not from here - they actually come from China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. They were accidentally brought to the United States in the late 90's, and began spreading to the north- and southeast., according to Orkin.com. The insects were first spotted in New York in 2010.

When you spot one of these bugs in your house, your first instinct might be to reach for a rolled-up newspaper and squish one, but don't do it! The "stink bug" didn't come by that name coincidentally: when threatened or smushed, they give off a foul odor, and if you get any "remains" in your eye or on your skin, it can be irritating.

So how should you get rid of stink bugs?

First, don't let them get in. Seal up any cracks around doors or screens, and repair holes in screens.

Second, a quick disposal strategy is to vacuum them up - but only if you have the kind of vacuum with a removable bag. Otherwise, your vacuum might stink for a while.

Finally, and probably the easiest, according to the Democrat and Chronicle, stink bugs are attracted to light. They also can't swim, so a desk lamp with a tub of soapy water underneath makes a great DIY stink bug trap. You can also buy stink bug traps at your local hardware store.

 

 

 

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