How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

If you’ve ever squished a stink bug, you no doubt remember the awful stench. These bugs release a smell that is often described as a mix between rotten food and dirty gym clothes. When they are threatened, they emit the smell to ward off predators.

Stink bugs are typically found outside, but they can work their way into homes and businesses. How can you get rid of stink bugs without being confronted with their unpleasant smell?

What Are Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs have a distinctive look that is easy to identify. They are small with a brown and gray shell. The shell has a curved shelf near the head.

These bugs, which likely arrived in the United States as stowaways in a cargo ship from Asia, thrive in crop fields and are known to cause significant damage to plants. However, they won’t bite or sting you. Nonetheless, these aren’t critters that you want crawling around your home.

Why Do Stink Bugs Invade Homes?

Stink bugs invade homes in search of shelter in the fall and spring months. Typically, they are searching for a warm place to stay during the cold weather season. Many people have stink bugs and don’t realize it because they prefer to live inside the walls and attic.

However, you could spot a few crawling around on your floors, interior walls, counters and other surfaces. Often, they work their way into the interior when they are actually trying to get outside again.

How to Stop Stink Bugs from Getting in Your House?

Stink bugs are difficult to keep out of your space because of their small size. They only need a small crack or crevice to get inside. This could be a fissure in your foundation, a gap in your siding or another small opening. While they go indoors for the winter, they prefer to live outdoors in the spring and summer.

Because of this, you want to prevent the bugs from getting into the house in the fall, but you don’t want to trap them inside in the spring. The best time to address a stink bug issue is at the end of the warm weather season.

Safe Ways to Remove Stink Bugs

When you spot a stink bug, your first inclination may be to grab a shoe and start smashing. However, this will inevitably create a smelly situation. These are some safe ways to remove a stink bug.

Manual Removal

If you spot one or two bugs here and there, you could simply remove them manually. Cover the stink bug with a glass or small bowl. Slide a piece of paper underneath the container without lifting it. This should trap the bug. You can then carry it outside to release it.

Vacuum Method

If your vacuum cleaner has a dust and dirt bag, you could vacuum the stink bug with your handheld attachment. The bag should be disposed of immediately. This option is not suitable if your vacuum has a dust container.

Soapy Water Trap

If the stink bug is on a wall or ceiling, you can create a soapy trap. Stink bugs tend to drop when they feel threatened. Fill a wide container with soapy water, and add a tablespoon of white vinegar. Place the container below the bug. This should cause the bug to feel threatened, and it will drop into the container.

Natural and Chemical Remedies for Stink Bugs

While there are ways to remove stink bugs after they enter your home, you understandably want to prevent them from entering in the first place. There are both natural and chemical remedies available.

Natural Solutions

Natural solutions are safe to use in and around the home’s exterior. They will not harm pets, people or the environment.

Garlic Spray

If you don’t mind the smell of garlic, you can prepare a garlic spray to use throughout the interior of your home. Mix together a couple of garlic cloves or four teaspoons of garlic powder with two cups of water. Using a spray bottle, target the doors, windowsills and other areas where the bugs enter.

Neem Oil

This is a plant-based oil that acts as a natural insecticide, and it interrupts the bugs’ natural instincts. Combine two teaspoons of the oil with 32 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray all of the entry points. This solution takes about seven days to work.

Diatomaceous Earth

This is an eco-friendly powder comprised of rocks. It causes stink bugs’ exoskeleton to decompose. Sprinkle the powder throughout the interior and exterior of the home near entry points.

Chemical Pesticides

Several chemical pesticides are available at local stores to kill stink bugs and other pests inside your home. Unfortunately, these chemicals are not always effective at killing stink bugs. If the bugs do die, other insects may be attracted inside the room to feed on their bodies.

What to Do If There’s a Stink Bug Infestation

If you’re dealing with a major bug infestation, it may be time to call an exterminator. Stink bugs typically breed outdoors, and they will leave your home in the spring. However, if you don’t want to deal with each bug individually for weeks on end, an exterminator can effectively deal with the problem.

FAQs

Are Stink Bugs Harmful to Humans or Pets?

Stink bugs do not harm people or pets. They won’t sting, bite or impact your health in any way.

Why Shouldn’t You Crush a Stink Bug?

Crushing a stink bug is an effective way to kill it. However, this will cause the bug to feel threatened and emit a horrible smell. Unfortunately, this smell tends to linger and will not go away simply by removing the bug from your home.

What Is the Best Homemade Stink Bug Repellent?

The best homemade repellent for stink bugs is garlic spray. This is a mixture of garlic powder or garlic cloves and water. If you don’t like the smell of garlic, you can also repel stink bugs with diluted neem oil.

In addition to seeking shelter, many types of bugs enter a home for food and water. If you are challenged by keeping up with your cleaning chores, Cleanzen can help. We provide thorough residential and commercial cleaning services throughout the Boston area. For details and to request service, contact us today.