Tips to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are the worst. First of all, they're huge. I seriously can't believe the size of some stink bugs. Plus, they somehow always end up getting inside. Of course, the worst is the smell they make when you smoosh them. Well, it's stinkbug season (March through September), although those pesky stink bugs can really cause trouble year-round. Here are some tips to get rid of stink bugs in your home. Hopefully these will keep your house free of the pesky critters.

1. Don't let them get in. One of the best ways to get rid of stink bugs is to not give them a way to get into your home in the first place. Pestworld.org notes to "spend some time inspecting the outside of your home for easy access points." They add that the areas you should really pay attention to are spots "around siding and utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia or other openings." Then, take action to seal any cracks and holes with a high-quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk.

2. Try essential oil. The folks at HGTV.com say that an essential oil trick will help keep the stink bugs away. "Mix 10 drops of mint essential oil with 16 ounces of water and spray at interior entry zones like windows and doors," they explain.

3. Pay proper attention to landscaping. These bugs love to inhabit unmaintained vegetation, so make sure to mow your lawn on a regular basis and keep up with your landscaping. Also, keep your yard as clean as possible.

4. Make a stink bug trap. Better Homes and Gardens has a tip to make a homemade stink bug trap. "One popular DIY trap involves filling a small tray or pan with soapy water and placing it underneath a night light or desk lamp," they explain. "The insects will be attracted to the light, fall into the water and drown." Try these tips to get rid of stink bugs, and hopefully you won't have to deal with their stench this season.

If you're someone who dislikes the snow and ice, then you probably have been loving this winter. Warmer temperatures have flourished throughout the U.S. But, that also means more bugs and ticks. Moreover, tick bites aren't something to take lightly. Now, health agencies across America are warning that this year's tick season is going to be extra bad.

So, why will there be more ticks this season? It's simple. A warmer winter means that the tick population didn't die off like it would have in freezing temperatures. That means there are going to be way more ticks attacking both humans and pets.

What makes ticks so dangerous? They could be carrying the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. "The bacterium can be transmitted by the blacklegged tick, if infected," the Michigan DNR says on its website. They add that it's "the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States." Moreover, the Pennsylvania Department of Health notes that ticks can also cause Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis, Powassan Virus, STARI, Alpha-gal Syndrome and Borrelia miyamotoi disease. Not cool.

So, what exactly is a tick? It's an arthropod, like a spider. "Ticks have 8 legs, are very small, and attach to a person or animal to suck blood. In Pennsylvania, many ticks carry diseases," the Pennsylvania Department of Health notes. "Ticks can be found anywhere: outdoors in areas with long grasses and weeds, leaf piles, the woods, and even in your own yard." That said, it's important to protect yourself and avoid tick bites. That doesn't mean you have to totally avoid going outdoors. But, you need to be cautious. I love being outdoors in the warm months, and I also live near the woods. So, I'm going to be extra mindful of ticks this season. Here are some expert tips I'm following, and you should, too.

If you're going outdoors, make sure to take precautions. The Pennsylvania Department of Health suggests treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. "Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings," they state. Also, use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Finally, wear light-colored clothing.

Of course, the best thing to do is to avoid any contact with ticks. So, try to avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass or fallen leaves. If you are in those areas, walk in the center of the trails. Just stay away from that tall grass at all costs.

When you get inside, check your clothing for tickets. Remove any tickets that you find. Also, "Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors," according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They also suggest to examine gear and pets, shower soon after being outdoors and check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Finally, shower as soon as you come indoors.

When you come indoors, do that full body check for ticks. They tend to hide under the arms; in and around the ears; inside belly button; back of the knees; in and around the hair; between the legs; and around the waist. That's according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Take it seriously if you get a tick bite. "If you develop a rash or fever within a month of removing a tick, see your doctor as soon as possible," the Michigan DNR says. "Be sure to tell your doctor about your recent tick bite and when the bite occurred."

If you get a tick bite, above all, remain calm. It can be scary, but if you catch it in time, there are things that can help. That's why it's so important to do early detection and look all over your body and clothes after being outdoors. So, you don't have to say no to going out doors, but say no to ticks.