Stink bugs signal a bigger fall pest problem for D.C.-area homes

My Pest Pros says October stink bug invasions across Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., are a warning that the same home gaps can soon let in mice. The company is urging homeowners to seal entry points now, before winter drives rodents indoors.

Why it matters: - Stink bugs and rodents use many of the same fall entry points, so sealing a home now can reduce two pest problems at once. - The timing matters because October is when stink bugs move toward buildings before winter, and mice often follow through the same gaps a few weeks later. - Brown marmorated stink bugs are common in the mid-Atlantic, where the highest U.S. concentrations are found.

What happened: - My Pest Pros is warning homeowners in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., to inspect and seal exterior openings in October. - Brett Lieberman, founder of My Pest Pros, said stink bugs are a sign that a house has openings that may later admit mice. - Homeowners can schedule a fall inspection by calling 703-665-4455 or visiting the company's website.

The details: - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the country’s highest concentrations of brown marmorated stink bugs are in the mid-Atlantic. - NC State Extension says adult stink bugs begin moving into buildings in September and October. - Stink bugs do not bite, sting, damage a house or reproduce indoors. - Rodents are a greater risk because mice and rats can bite, contaminate spaces and cause property damage. - My Pest Pros says homeowners should check attic, gable and crawlspace vents for damaged or missing screens. - My Pest Pros also points to gaps around pipes, wiring, cable and HVAC lines that pass through exterior walls. - Worn door sweeps, garage door thresholds and basement window frames are other common entry points. - Openings around window air conditioners and dryer vents can also let pests inside. - Cracks in the foundation and gaps where siding meets the roofline should be sealed. - For stink bugs already inside, My Pest Pros recommends vacuuming with a bag that can be removed and discarded right away. - Indoor sprays are not effective against overwintering pests and do not stop additional pests from entering. - My Pest Pros says homeowners can also contact the company at 703-665-4455 or visit the company's website for stink bug, mouse and rat service.

Between the lines: - The pitch is less about treating a seasonal nuisance and more about using stink bugs as an early warning sign for broader home exclusion work. - That framing shifts pest control from reactive treatment to preventive maintenance on the house itself. - Lieberman described exclusion as the most valuable step in pest control because it addresses the structure, not just the symptoms.

What’s next: - Homeowners are likely to face more stink bug activity as temperatures fall and rodents begin seeking winter shelter. - My Pest Pros is encouraging October inspections before those openings become a winter rodent problem. - The company serves homeowners and businesses throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., and offers general pest control, termite treatments, rodent services and mosquito services.

The bottom line: - Stink bugs are the warning sign, but the bigger payoff is sealing the home before mice and rats move in.