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The Intrusion of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs in Residential Areas: A Comprehensive Guide to Eradication and Prevention

The three-striped beetle has been a perennial nuisance and a cause for concern due to its potential dangers. Recent news reports of these insects invading homes have sparked worry among residents. Let's delve deeper and uncover more information about this pesky pest.

Administrator

9 August, 2024

With the current high humidity, fields in the suburbs are entering the harvest season, and the three-lined pest is starting to invade many houses, apartment buildings, and residential areas. Recently, many people in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have suffered from skin inflammation due to contact with three-lined pests. Let’s explore the situation and solutions to this concern in the following article.

1Three-Lined Pests Invade Homes

Every year, during the transition from autumn to winter, the weather is still humid and rainy, and three-lined pests appear in residential areas. According to residents of several apartment buildings in Hoang Mai district (Hanoi), just opening the window will result in a large number of these pests crawling into the house. Three-lined pests are attracted to light, so they often fly into houses, landing on clothes, bedsheets, towels, and bedding. If one is not careful, it is easy to be affected by the toxins of these pests, especially for families with young children, the risk is even higher.

Three-lined pests often fly into homes, landing on clothes, bedsheets, towels, and bedding.

In recent days, the Central Dermatology Hospital, Bach Mai Hospital, and the National Pediatric Hospital have all recorded cases of patients with skin inflammation and poisoning caused by three-lined pests. The affected areas show signs of itching, redness, and discomfort, and severe cases even develop blisters due to the toxins of the pests. According to experts, the toxin of the three-lined pest is 12-15 times stronger than cobra venom, extremely dangerous.

Skin inflammation caused by contact with three-lined pests

For families with young children, three-lined pests pose an even greater danger.

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2Ways to Prevent Three-Lined Pests

Three-lined pests do not actively attack humans, so if we know how to prevent and cleverly drive them out of our homes or prevent them from entering, we can rest assured.

People can take advantage of the pest’s attraction to light by finding the brightest spot in the house and placing a transparent water container there. The light will reflect off the water, attracting the pests, which will then fall into the water.

Using a light trap to catch three-lined pests

Additionally, using lemongrass essential oil to fumigate the house is also an effective way to repel these pests.

It is recommended to wear long sleeves and pants and carefully inspect clothing, bedding, and towels before use. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the pests from hiding in these items.

Doctors also advise: When encountering three-lined pests, do not use your hands or feet to crush or rub them, as this may release their toxins. If exposed to the toxins, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water, apply medication as directed by a doctor, and do not attempt to self-treat at home.

At present, three-lined pests have appeared in high densities in residential areas and apartment buildings, causing concern for many people. Hopefully, the information provided in this article will help you understand the situation and feel more at ease.

Frequently asked questions

Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) are invasive insects that have become a nuisance in residential areas due to their tendency to aggregate in large numbers and invade homes during autumn. They are named for their brown, shield-shaped bodies and the unpleasant odor they emit when disturbed or crushed.

While BMSB are not known to transmit diseases to humans, they can cause significant discomfort and annoyance due to their invasive nature. They often enter homes in large numbers, seeking shelter for the winter. Additionally, their presence can stain surfaces and leave an unpleasant odor.

There are several methods for eradicating and preventing BMSB infestations. This includes sealing entry points, using insecticides, and employing physical barriers such as screens and caulk. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the exterior of your home, as well as proper landscaping, can also help deter BMSB.

Natural repellents such as essential oils (e.g., peppermint, neem, and catnip) can be used to deter BMSB. Traps baited with pheromones or light traps can also be effective in capturing and monitoring BMSB populations.

To remove BMSB from your home, use a vacuum cleaner to safely capture the bugs. Seal the vacuum bag or dispose of the contents in a trash bag that can be tightly sealed. You can also use a solution of soap and water to kill the bugs before disposal.

To prevent BMSB from entering your home, seal any cracks or crevices around windows, doors, and utility openings. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Maintain a tidy yard, removing potential hiding places and food sources for BMSB.

BMSB can be identified by their distinctive appearance. They are approximately 17 mm long, with a brown, marmorated pattern on their backs. They have a shield-shaped body and a distinctive ‘shoulders’ appearance. They can be distinguished from similar-looking insects by their alternating light and dark bands on the antennae and the presence of two light-colored bands on the rear edges of the front wings.