If you’ve noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your crawlspace this fall, you might be dealing with a stink bug infestation. In Tumwater and other parts of Thurston County, these shield-shaped insects often move into homes seeking warmth. Once inside, they can be hard to remove without a solid stink bug control plan.
In this guide, we’ll cover how you can identify stink bugs, explain why they’re in your crawlspace, and share pest management steps that can keep them out.
Key Takeaways:
- Brown marmorated stink bugs are an invasive species in Washington State that gather in large numbers inside crawlspaces during fall and winter.
- Stink bugs enter through minor entry points like foundation cracks and vent gaps, then overwinter until spring.
- Exclusion methods such as sealing cracks with caulk and installing vent screens are the most effective long-term stink bug control strategies.
- PCI Pest Control offers inspection, targeted treatments, and year-round pest management in Tumwater and surrounding Thurston County for lasting peace of mind.
Recognizing a Stink Bug Problem
The most common species in Washington State is the brown marmorated stink bug, an invasive species originally from Asia. They’re about the size of a dime, mottled brown, and shaped like a medieval shield. While they don’t bite or damage structures, they release a pungent odor when disturbed or crushed.
In crawlspaces, stink bugs can gather in large numbers in wall voids, under insulation, and around floor joists. Homeowners often spot them near windows or vents on warmer winter days as they wake from dormancy. Stink bugs in younger stages, known as nymphs, are smaller, wingless, and lighter in color.
Why Stink Bugs Love Crawlspaces in Tumwater
Tumwater’s climate, along with the Pacific Northwest’s mild but damp winters, makes crawlspaces a perfect overwintering site for these pests.
Stink bugs usually enter homes in late summer and early fall through small gaps, then hibernate for the winter. During this time, they enter a state of diapause, similar to hibernation, which allows them to survive until warmer weather returns.
Common entry points include:
- Gaps around crawlspace vents
- Unsealed foundation cracks
- Loose siding or trim
- Spaces around utility penetrations
Once inside, they overwinter until spring, when they emerge to feed on plants and lay eggs.
Risks of Ignoring a Stink Bug Infestation
While stink bugs aren’t as harmful as carpenter ants, roaches, or bed bugs, they can still become a frustrating pest problem if left unchecked:
- Persistent foul odor in enclosed spaces, which can be difficult to remove once it seeps into fabrics and upholstery
- Staining on walls or floors from crushed bugs, leaving unsightly marks
- Attraction of predators (like rodents or stinging insects) into the crawlspace, creating additional pest concerns
- If you don’t take preventative measures against stink bugs, their numbers will increase year-over-year, as they return to the same overwintering sites
- Added risk of a broader pest infestation as other insects or animals follow the same entry routes
- Potential plant and crop damage in spring if they migrate back outdoors in large numbers
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in Crawlspaces
Inspection
The first step in any professional pest control approach is a thorough inspection. PCI’s licensed exterminators check both inside and outside your home to identify activity and find entry points.
Exclusion Work
Closing gaps is key to long-term stink bug control. Your technician may recommend sealing cracks with caulk, installing new vent covers, or adding fine mesh to prevent entry.
Targeted Treatments
If stink bug activity is found, we’ll design a treatment plan using safe, targeted methods in areas where they hide. Our family-owned approach ensures all solutions are safe for your home and needs.
Ongoing Pest Management
Since stink bugs often return in the fall, ongoing pest control services help keep them out for good. PCI’s All Seasons Protection Plan covers occasional invaders like stink bugs, along with more common pests in Olympia, Tumwater, and surrounding areas.
Preventing Future Infestations
To help prevent another stink bug problem:
- Seal exterior cracks and gaps before late summer
- Replace worn weatherstripping
- Install screens on attic and crawlspace vents
- Store firewood away from the home’s foundation
- Schedule annual inspections with a trusted pest control company to keep your home protected year-round.
Why Choose PCI Pest Control in Tumwater
Family-owned and serving Thurston County since 1998, PCI Pest Control understands local pest issues and how to solve them.
Our WSDA-licensed technicians offer fast, effective solutions tailored to your specific needs, with no long-term contracts required.
If you’ve noticed stink bugs in your crawlspace, the sooner you act, the easier they are to manage. From sealing entry points to year-round protection, PCI has you covered.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or request a free quote and reclaim your crawlspace from unwanted guests.
FAQs
Why do stink bugs smell?
Stink bugs release a foul-smelling chemical from glands in their abdomen as a defense mechanism. Crushing them makes the smell stronger, so it’s better to remove them carefully or call for professional stink bug control.
Can stink bugs cause damage to my home?
No, stink bugs don’t chew wood or wiring. However, in large numbers, they can stain surfaces, create unpleasant odors, and attract other pests to your crawlspace.
What time of year are stink bugs a problem in Tumwater?
Stink bugs are most noticeable in late summer and fall when they enter homes to overwinter, and again in spring when they leave. It is better to stop stink bugs from entering your home during their search for shelter than to deal with them after they’ve settled in.
to walk you through your pest control plan.
