Stink bug invasion. Last year we had maybe a dozen total outside the house. This year there are hundreds outside the house mostly east side. Some are getting into the house through second level windows - screened windows. I have found some in the house and evicted them. I am worroed about the ones I might not find. Where do they roost, what do the eat, and how can I organically get rid of them? We have three indoor cats. Thanks

It is not unusual for insect populations to vary from year to year and these variations can be due to various causal factors. The brown marmorated stink bugs are a relatively new pest in North America from Japan, China, and S. Korea, etc. At this time, there are no natural predators or diseases to help keep them under control. We are receiving many phone and email questions regarding this pest. At this time of year they are seeking places to overwinter and can be a nuisance like ladybugs and boxelder bugs. They should be vacuumed up with a shop vac inside the house. Outside they can be squirted off the side of the house with water.    Caulk and seal all the places the bugs are entering your house. Use one of the cans of aerosol foam insulating spray to fill tiny holes and openings around utilities/wires that enter the building. Also, seal around windows with a good window caulk . Replace door sweeps wherever they are worn. Other than that, there isn't much else you can do. See our publications on management http://hgic.umd.edu/content/brownstinkbug.cfm

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