Some stink bug infestations are too strong to be controlled by non-chemical means.  These infestations will more than likely require an application of insecticide.  A professional pest control company, such as A3 Superior Pest Control can complete this application for you.   The treatment will likely consist of a dust applied to cracks and crevices in the exterior walls, and/or a spray chemical.  Following the treatment, we suggest waiting until the summer to reseal any cracks or crevices on the outside of your home.
There are preventative treatments available, which include an exterior perimeter spray applied around windows and doors.  These treatments are generally completed during the months of September and October.  ** You may need to wash the windows after the service, as many of the chemicals that can be used will dirty them.

If the summer months are over, switch your focus to sealing the inside of your home to keep the stink bugs out.  At this time of year, there is a good chance that you already have stink bugs inside your walls.  There for, you do not want to seal the outside of your home, as the insects will have no place to go other than inside your home.  By sealing the inside of your home, you will be forcing the bugs back outside as they come out of hibernation.  Seal cracks around windows and door frames, ceiling fixtures, and any spaces above false or drop ceilings.  Try to focus your efforts on the areas where you have previously noticed stink bug activity.  **Note that stink bugs tend to favor west and south facing exterior walls.  Consider vacuuming large concentrations of stink bugs found in basements or attics with something like a shop-vac.  When done vacuuming, be sure to empty the contents of the vacuum into a bag that can be immediately sealed and disposed of.  If you are interested in trapping any live bugs, consider the use of electrocuting fly lights and sticky traps in basements, attics and crawl spaces.  Stink bugs are attracted to light, so these devices can prove quite helpful.  Be sure to empty traps daily, and move them to a new location if they seem to stop working. 
Check back Monday to see the final chapter in this series.

In North America, scientists currently recognize approximately 260 different species of “stink bugs”.  Of this wide range of species, only a little more than a dozen are normally reported inside homes during the year.  Stink bugs are generally an inch in length and smaller, going down to a size of around 1/6 of an inch.  These insects get their common name from the many members of the family that have scent glands which penetrate the air with a strong and noxious odor.  This scent mechanism is used by stink bugs much in the same way a skunk uses his scent glands, as a defense mechanism against predators.  Stink bugs generally enter homes and dwelling places during the winter months, looking for a warmer place to hibernate for the winter.  Stink bugs come in a range of colors including greens and browns.  Their backs are shield shaped, and they have a triangular thorax.  Adult stink bugs have four wings and two antennas.
The life cycle of a stink bug begins after the winter hibernation is over.  Female stink bugs will emerge with nearly 150 eggs that they will carry until they find a place to lay them.  The eggs are usually attached to the underside of a leaf, where the female believes they will be safe.  Depending on weather and other conditions, the eggs will hatch anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after they are laid. 
Stay Tuned over the next few days for the rest of this four part series, including prevention and treatment for stink bugs.