Stink Bug Exterminator
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Understanding Stink Bugs in Georgia
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive insect now common across Marietta and Metro Atlanta. Introduced from East Asia, it thrives in Georgia’s warm climate and can complete two generations per year.
Unlike termites or ants, stink bugs don’t reproduce indoors or damage structures. The issue begins in late summer and fall as adults seek warm, protected spaces to overwinter. From September–November, they gather on sunny walls, siding, and window frames, squeezing through gaps into attics, wall voids, and crawl spaces. Indoors, they stay dormant until spring, when warmth or light triggers activity around windows and fixtures.
Why Stink Bugs Invade Homes in Georgia
Stink bugs are strong fliers that travel miles to find ideal overwintering spots. As temperatures drop, they’re drawn to sun-warmed surfaces and enter through small openings such as:
- Cracks around windows and door frames
- Gaps around utility lines or vents
- Damaged screens or attic vents
- Openings beneath soffits, siding, or fascia boards
Georgia’s mild winters and long growing seasons help populations surge outdoors in spring and summer as they feed on ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables—then move indoors in fall.
The Challenge: Why Indoor Treatments Don’t Work
Once stink bugs enter a structure, control options are extremely limited. They hide deep in walls and attics where sprays cannot reach. Dormant insects don’t cross treated surfaces or feed on bait—so indoor insecticides provide little to no benefit and add unnecessary chemical exposure.
Best indoor removal methods:
Vacuum removal: Collect visible stink bugs and empty outdoors promptly to avoid odor.
Manual collection: Gently capture and release outside or dispose of without crushing.
Crushing releases a strong odor and may attract more bugs to the same area. Vacuuming and gentle removal are the safest, most effective indoor responses.
Prevention: The Only Reliable Solution Year-Round Pest Control
Because stink bugs are nearly impossible to control after entry, prevention is essential. A continuous pest control program creates a protective barrier before they invade.
- Residual Barrier Protection: Professional exterior applications that kill on contact and remain effective for weeks.
- Seasonal Timing: Intensified treatments in late summer and early fall (August–October) as migration begins.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Targeting foundations, siding edges, eaves, window frames, and door surrounds.
- Multi-Pest Control: The same barrier also helps prevent ants, roaches, and other Georgia pests.
The Dixie Exterminators Approach
Our programs are tailored to Georgia’s unique pest pressures and seasonal patterns.
- Quarterly or monthly visits for year-round protection
- Targeted fall treatments during peak season (September–November)
- Exterior perimeter applications around foundations, walls, and eaves
- Focused attention on entry points commonly used by stink bugs
- Service warranty with return visits if pests reappear
Our local knowledge and decades of experience ensure precisely timed, effective service across Metro Atlanta.
Additional Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Reduce risk with physical exclusion alongside professional treatments:
- Seal entry points: Caulk cracks around windows, doors, vents, and utility lines.
- Repair damaged screens on windows and foundation vents.
- Check siding and trim: Fix loose siding, fascia, and soffit gaps.
- Maintain door seals: Install/replace weatherstripping and door sweeps.
- Inspect attic vents: Ensure screens are intact and properly fitted.
These steps reduce entry opportunities while our exterior barrier intercepts insects before they reach your home.
Other Stink Bug Species in Georgia
While the brown marmorated stink bug is the primary nuisance species, Georgia hosts others—some are agricultural pests, while beneficial predators help control crop-damaging insects.
Beneficial species like the spined soldier bug and rough stink bug have spiny shoulders and thicker mouthparts for consuming other insects. By contrast, brown marmorated stink bugs have smooth shoulders and thinner, plant-feeding mouthparts.
Dixie Exterminators focuses treatments on nuisance species around homes while minimizing impact on beneficial insects outdoors.
Seasonal Stink Bug Activity in Georgia
Spring (March–May): Overwintering adults emerge to feed and reproduce; some may exit homes seeking vegetation.
Summer (June–August): Populations rise on fruit trees, gardens, and ornamentals.
Fall (September–November): Second-generation adults seek shelter—peak home invasion. Exterior treatments are most critical now.
Winter (December–February): Dormant indoors; warm days or indoor heat can trigger temporary movement.
The most effective prevention window is late August through October. Regular treatments during this period provide maximum protection for Marietta and Metro Atlanta homes.
Why Professional Prevention
Beats DIY
- Longer residuals: Consumer sprays degrade quickly; professional formulations can remain active up to 90 days or more.
- Complete coverage: Reaching eaves, soffits, and upper walls requires specialized equipment.
- Precise timing: Treatments applied exactly as migration begins maximize protection.
- Safety & training: Licensed technicians ensure proper dilution, application, and environmental safety.
Professional prevention delivers consistent, warrantied results you can count on.
Stink Bug Control for
Marietta & Metro Atlanta
Dixie Exterminators proudly provides professional prevention and stink bug control throughout Marietta and Metro Atlanta, including:
Cobb County: Acworth • Austell • Kennesaw • Mableton • Marietta • Powder Springs • Smyrna
North Fulton County: Alpharetta • Johns Creek • Roswell • Sandy Springs
Cherokee County: Canton • Holly Springs • Woodstock
Douglas County: Douglasville • Villa Rica
Fulton County: Atlanta • Dunwoody • Vinings
Paulding County: Dallas • Hiram
Forsyth County: Cumming
Our local team understands North Georgia’s seasonal pressures and provides customized, long-term protection.
Get Started with Year-Round Protection
The best time to begin prevention is before fall invasion starts. Our programs include continuous protection against stink bugs and other pests, regular visits timed to Georgia’s seasons, and professional-grade treatments applied by licensed, insured technicians.
Service guarantees — if pests return, we return at no charge
Expert application and safety-first practices
Proactive scheduling for peak migration periods
Don’t wait until they’re inside—prevention is simple and cost-effective, while elimination after entry is nearly impossible.
Call (770) 424-1300 or request service online today to keep stink bugs outside where they belong.
Stink Bug
Questions & Answers
1. What are stink bugs, and why are they a problem?
Shield-shaped insects that release odor when disturbed. In Georgia, they invade homes in fall to overwinter—often in large numbers.
2. Do stink bugs reproduce indoors?
No. They don’t reproduce inside homes; they enter only to survive cold weather and leave in spring.
3. When are stink bugs most active in Georgia?
Late August–November, peaking in October as they seek warm walls and attics.
4. Can I get rid of stink bugs once they’re inside?
Options are limited. Vacuum or gently remove them; indoor insecticides are not effective.
5. Best way to prevent entry?
Seal cracks/gaps and schedule exterior treatments in late summer/early fall.
6. Are stink bugs harmful?
No bites, stings, or disease—just unpleasant odor.
7. Does regular pest control help?
Yes. Ongoing services reduce populations and prevent entry.
8. Why do I see them in winter?
Indoor heat or sunny days can wake overwintering bugs—movement is temporary.
9. Do DIY sprays work?
Most don’t. They break down quickly and miss vulnerable areas. Professional barriers last longer.
10. What makes Dixie Exterminators different?
Serving Metro Atlanta since 1963 with proven, seasonally timed programs, safe products, and warranty-backed service.