Professional vs DIY for Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs

Dealing with stink bugs and boxelder bugs seasonally can be a real headache. Even though they're not harmful, nobody wants unexpected houseguests like bugs hanging around. But how do you handle them?

Many homeowners try their hand at DIY treatments to tackle stink bugs and boxelder bugs. From traps to homemade deterrents, there are plenty of options out there. The big question is: do they actually do the trick? DIY pest control might offer temporary relief, but it often falls short when it comes to long-term solutions. That's where comparing DIY efforts to professional solutions really comes into play, helping you decide when it's best to bring in the experts.

Why Are Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs So Hard to Get Rid Of?

When stink bugs and boxelder bugs show up in your house each fall and spring, you know what it’s like to feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. You just start to forget about them when they start appearing again!

The problem with these bugs is that they overwinter in your wall voids and attic space. They need a warm place to survive, which is exactly what these areas provide for them. Unfortunately, though, this means that until you do something to get rid of them for good, they’ll be on a continuous loop of entering your home in the fall, overwintering, showing back up in the spring as they make their way outdoors, and spending the summer outside before starting the process over again.

Getting rid of these pests is tricky. If you try to get rid of the bugs you see, you often end up with a stinky mess. Stink bugs got their name for a reason, and crushing them leaves an unpleasant odor you won’t soon forget. If you spray them instead of crushing them, you might eliminate the ones you can see, but there will be plenty of others hiding in your walls or waiting to come inside in the fall.

Both stink bugs and boxelder bugs are easily able to access your house through tiny holes, cracks, and other openings. That makes it easy for them to get inside, find a way into your attic or walls, and then make the return trip.

DIY Pest Control for Stink and Boxelder Bugs

You have several DIY pest control options for stink bug and boxelder bug control. Some of the most popular include:

• Store-bought products

• Vacuuming

• Homemade deterrents like dish soap, vinegar, or essential oils

• DIY sealing (caulk, weatherstripping)

Each method has its pros and cons:

• Store-bought products often kill on contact, which eliminates the bugs you see immediately. However, these sprays don’t offer long-lasting relief since every other stink bug or boxelder bug nearby is still capable of getting into your house.

• Vacuuming is similar to spraying in that it gets rid of the bugs you see, but leaves all the other ones behind. You also have to be careful that you don’t accidentally crush the bugs as you vacuum them, because they will release their odor.

• Homemade deterrents may offer a small layer of protection, but more often than not, these don’t work at all.

• Sealing your house is a smart way to prevent stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and other pests from entering your home. On its own, however, this is not enough to completely prevent an infestation, since these bugs are resourceful enough to find other openings that you missed.

What Professional Pest Control Does Differently

The main, and most important, difference between DIY and professional pest control is that professional pest control gets at the root of the issue. Pest experts have the training, tools, and experience necessary to identify, reach, and treat the areas of your house that most homeowners can’t. Some of the benefits of professional pest control include:

• Experts inspect for hidden entry points and overwintering zones.

• Use of targeted insecticides that reach wall voids and exteriors.

• Application of perimeter treatments and residual barriers.

• Follow-up visits ensure long-term control during key seasonal peaks.

• Professionals understand local bug behavior patterns specific to Middle Tennessee.

Key Differences Between DIY and Professional Services

When to Call a Professional

If you find a pest in your home now and then, that’s pretty normal, and you may want to start exploring preventative, proactive pest control. However, certain warning signs warrant professional services. These include:

• Seeing stink bugs or boxelder bugs in your house every fall or spring

• Trying DIY products without success

• Finding bugs in your walls, ceilings, or attic spaces

• Dealing with bad smells or staining from crushed bugs

• Wanting peace of mind and long-term prevention

Contact All-American Pest Control for Effective Stink Bug and Boxelder Bug Control

If you’ve been dealing with stink bugs or boxelder bugs every fall and spring, you can stop the cycle. With professional pest control from All-American Pest Control, you’ll get pest control that eliminates all of the pests in your house, not just the ones you see. You’ll also get coverage that stops new pests from getting into your home, effectively stopping the cycle for good.

All-American has been solving Middle Tennessee’s pest problems since 1961. Our treatments are designed around your home’s unique needs. From total coverage of your home and yard with our Complete Care bundle to green pest control, we do it all. Contact us to schedule your home pest evaluation today.

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Expert Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Surrounding Areas

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for  homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Acorn Hill, Ashland City, Bethel, Burns, Chapsmanboro, Charlotte, Cumberland Furnace, Cumberland Heights, Dickson, Kingston Springs, Pegram, Vanleer, Pleasant View, Bon Aqua, Slayden, White Bluff, Tennessee City, Bell Town, Cheap Hill, Craggie Hope, Shacklett, Lyles, Hickman, Bon Aqua Junction, Dickson City, and the entire Cheatham County, Dickson County, and Greater Nashville areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation online.