September in Virginia brings cooler evenings, football games, and the first hints of fall. But it also brings a less welcome guest—stink bugs. If you’ve noticed shield-shaped insects gathering on the sunny side of your home or buzzing around your windows, you’re not alone. Stink bug season is officially here, and for many Central VA homeowners, it means an uphill battle against one of the most persistent pests of fall.
Stink bugs aren’t dangerous, but they are certainly frustrating. They don’t bite, sting, or destroy your home’s structure, but their tendency to gather in large numbers and the unpleasant odor they release when disturbed make them a nuisance. The real problem comes when they sneak indoors in search of a warm spot to overwinter. Once they’re inside your walls, attic, or crawl space, they can linger quietly until spring—only to reappear in your living spaces when the weather warms again.
So why do stink bugs suddenly swarm homes in September? The answer lies in the changing weather. As days shorten and nights cool, stink bugs begin looking for protection from the cold. Your home’s warmth, combined with countless entry points like cracks in siding, gaps around windows and doors, or unsealed attic vents, makes the perfect refuge.
If you’re seeing them gather outside, it’s a warning sign that they’re preparing to move in. Preventing them before they gain access is key. Start by inspecting the outside of your home for gaps and cracks, and use caulk or sealant to close them. Check screens on windows and vents for tears, and add or replace door sweeps and weatherstripping. Stink bugs are experts at squeezing through the tiniest spaces, so even small openings can become an invitation.
While DIY measures can help, professional treatments offer longer-lasting protection. Vacuuming up stink bugs may get rid of the few you see, but it won’t stop the many hiding in walls or attics. At Pest Now of Central VA, our stink bug prevention services target the areas where these pests are most likely to gather, keeping them outside where they belong.
Don’t let stink bugs take over your home this fall. By sealing entry points and scheduling preventive treatments now, you can enjoy the season without the constant annoyance of buzzing and bad smells. Pest Now of Central VA is here to help you stop stink bugs before they move in, giving you peace of mind all season long. Visit our website PestNowCVA.com to book a free consultation.
