Squishing, swatting, smashing. How readers say they’re fighting back against stink bugs
Earlier this month, we asked you how you’re dealing with stink bugs this fall as they creep in through your windows and doors to escape the winter’s chill. The results are now in.
While your approaches vary — from ruthless to tender — it’s clear from our readers they’ve just about had enough of this invasive insect, which is also known to trespass on farmer’s fields and hurt crop yields.
Here’s a look at the results, and one quick disclaimer: this survey shouldn’t be taken as scientific. This is just for fun.
Where our readers are finding stink bugs this time of year
Altogether, our survey had 18 participants representing ZIP codes throughout Central Kentucky, including in and around Lexington. We also had participation from the western half of the state, such as the Leitchfield and the Grayson County area.
Participants told us they’ve found stink bugs around the fireplace, where the ceiling meets the wall, in their garage and on their windows, doors and sunroom screens.
It’s clear the bugs aren’t the most welcome house guests, either.
Chasity Johnson, writing to us from the Lebanon area, reported finding stink bugs “all over the house,” as did Jeff Johnson, near Frankfort, who told us about finding them in “just about every room in this house.”
How often do you see them?
Many of you said you’re encountering stink bugs daily, and in some cases, multiple times a day.
David Smith, in Lexington, reported spotting “1-5 in a day during peak season.”
How do you get rid of them?
Survey respondents reported using various methods to halt the rising tide of stink bugs taking over their home.
Several reported crushing, squishing, swatting or smashing them, including Lexingtonian Jim Watts, who favors an electric fly swatter for the job.
However, because stink bugs are known to emit an acrid odor when they feel threatened, many of you chose to remove them altogether, and some of you employ some inventive techniques.
Kate Samuel, in Lexington, prefers to pick them up with a piece of duct tape, while another Lexington resident, James McDowell prefers to keep a hand vacuum at the ready that’s emptied weekly.
Smith, who reported seeing one to five stink bugs a day, told us, “My wife or children scream ‘stink bug!’ and I come in with a red solo cup, swoop them up, and throw them out the door; cause if you try to kill them they stink! Sometimes my dogs will get them first!”
Do you have a question about critters in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Let us know using the form below or by emailing us at ask@herald-leader.com.
