How To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs

The mere mention of stink bugs makes the average person wince. They seem to have a sixth sense for entering our homes in the fall, and they can be tough to exterminate. However, have no fear; assistance is at hand. This article aims to provide a few suggestions for eliminating stink bugs promptly. If you want to learn more, you should read on.

How To Deal With Stink Bugs In My House?

To squash a stink bug is to feel nature's wrath for all the other bugs you've squashed in your life and named after the offensive odour they give off when threatened or disturbed. That smell is hard to put into words. Despite sharing chemical similarities with cilantro, the aroma is much more intense, with hints of rotting fruit, dirty socks, and paper-mill pulp. In a nutshell, the smell is offensive and persistent.

According to legend, stink bugs settled in the United States after arriving in shipping containers from China in the 1990s. Because of the brown marbled pattern on their backs, brown marmorated stink bugs are a significant crop pest, but they don't bite, sting, or pose a health risk to humans. They can damper your nesting plans because insects that find their way into homes during the fall and winter stay dormant in walls and attics until spring. Okay, that's just gross.

Stink Bugs That Come Indoors

Over the winter, however, they would rather live in your home with you, crowding into tiny spaces. Once, scientists discovered 4,000 in a bread box-sized container and 30,000 in a structure the size of an outhouse.

Although these pests can appear out of thin air, there are typically several causes for their emergence. Those ripe bananas in your countertop fruit bowl might be to blame if you have a stink bug problem. Bad news for green thumbs: stink bugs feed on native plants, including shrubs, vines, and weeds. Flowers, buds, fruits, vegetables, and even nuts are all fair game for these omnivores, so there's a good chance they'll find something tasty in your garden.

Stink bugs are drawn to heat and light, two factors that are difficult to avoid. During the winter, they "hibernate," spending most of their time inside walls or other uninhabited areas like attics. Once the winter weather warms up, and the sun starts shining again, the bugs become more active (eww). Stink bugs can sneak into your home, but they often get stuck there and can't find their way out, so they settle in and create a small community.

Why We See Stink Bugs In Our Homes In Spring

Stink bugs overwintered in your home will start looking for exits once the weather warms up so they can return there to feed and reproduce. One way to avoid seeing these pests in the spring is to deny them a place to spend the winter.

Once inside, stink bugs invade your home slowly throughout the cold season. They are fearless explorers, plodding their way across the kitchen counter, the sofa, the toaster, and the bed. They're happy to hop into your shower with you or drink your morning coffee because heat is what they crave. Their flight is clumsy and noisy, resembling that of a malfunctioning helicopter.

The disoriented behaviour of a stink bug indoors can be attributed to diapause, a state similar to hibernation in insects. In this zombie-like state, they can still move, though not very gracefully. When a warm spell occurs in the middle of winter, it tricks them into thinking it's spring, and they show up. They can't seem to make it outside, so they start showing up in your homes instead, wreaking havoc in the process.

Some good news, though: they don't eat, bite, or multiply inside the house. They are simply overwintering in warmer climes, much like the thousands of New Englanders who head south every winter. They'll start a new round of eating, mating, and lounging outdoors when the weather warms up in the spring. The bad news is that spotting a few means an army is probably waiting to creep into view slowly.

This article will provide advice on preventing these pests from entering your home. These are green, natural, and inventive strategies for beating back these winter pests.

Stink bugs spend most of their time outdoors, where they breed and feed, but as autumn approaches, they and other pests look for a warm place to hibernate for the winter. Stink bugs can enter a house through small crevices in the exterior, and once inside, they seek refuge in dark, enclosed spaces, like behind baseboards.

However, because they hibernate during the winter, an infestation might go unnoticed until the insects start looking for exits. However, it is not uncommon for stink bugs to appear ahead of schedule, mistaking an early spring day for the norm.

Can You Describe The Odour Of A Stink Bug?

The stink bug's defensive olfactory system is typical of the family of stink bugs. Stink bugs have a gland in their bellies that releases an offensive odour when they feel threatened or are squashed. (Yuck!) According to human noses, the fragrance combines the smell of chemicals and the aroma of herbs and spices like cilantro. Put another way; the odour is unpleasant. If you find a stink bug, instead of squashing it or otherwise distressing it, try releasing it outside or removing it with an insect-trapping vacuum (or similar bug zapper).

When Bitten, Do Stink Bugs Cause Much Discomfort?

Stink bugs feed on plants and other organic matter found in the wild. Stink bugs are harmless to humans despite their sneaky habits and tendency to land on you (or your clothes) or in your hair.

What Time Of Year Do Stink Bugs Typically Appear?

Two cups of water with four teaspoons of garlic powder or a handful of garlic cloves can deter stink bugs.

How To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are most common in confined areas and on higher floors indoors. That's why you'll frequently see them creeping along the tops of walls or hiding in the folds of drapes. That's why so many congregate in garage lofts and attics. What should one do if they come across a stink bug while indoors? Take each one at a time and deal with it as it comes up. Just pick one of these methods and give it a shot.

To Use Essential Oil

Making your home smell nice while removing stink bugs is like hitting two birds with one stone. To deter pests from entering your home, combine ten drops of mint essential oil with 16 ounces of water and spray around windows and doors.

Use Of Neem Oil To Treat Skin Infections

This natural insecticide made from plants may take a week or more to become effective because it disrupts the insects' normal behaviour. You can spray a mixture of 32 ounces of water and two teaspoons of neem oil at stink bug entry points like windowsills.

Use A Diatomaceous Earth Treatment

You can use this natural rock powder pesticide indoors and outdoors to kill stink bugs by dehydrating them after they enter through the powder at doors and windows.

Spray-On Garlic

Two cups of water with four teaspoons of garlic powder or a handful of garlic cloves can prevent stink bugs from entering through windows.

Shake Out The Dust Bunnies

Some people get a particular small shop vac to eliminate stink bugs if they have a terrible infestation. Also, if you have a vacuum at home, you can use that, but use caution. If your vacuum uses bags, only then should you use this method. If you don't want a stink bomb to develop, you'll need to get rid of the bug-filled bags immediately.

Irradiated Water

When threatened, stink bugs will typically plummet to the ground. To get rid of stink bugs, fill a wide-mouthed jar with soapy water (adding vinegar for extra killing power) and place it under one. The bug will likely fall into the suds and drown. Spray hot water and dish soap in a spray bottle and use it to clean the windowsills.

Entryways Should Be Taped For Flies

Fly tape, while not the most aesthetically pleasing solution, can be used to trap flies and other flying insects on windowsills and other potential entry points.

Protect Your Family's Home

The best defence against these pests is a good offence. Seal up any holes or crevices that pests could squeeze through. If you want to prevent insects from using vents as a backdoor, covering them with fine mesh will help.

Lint Rollers

Rubbing dryer sheets on window screens or at home entry points can effectively deter stink bugs due to the sheets' offensive odour.

Shine On, Little Night Light

Put a wide pan of soapy water in the room with the most stink bugs before bed. Place a small light, so it hangs over the dish. During the night, the stink bugs will be drawn to the light and drown when they accidentally land in soapy water.

Keep Away From Insecticides That Use Chemicals

Even if you succeed in killing them, other insects may be drawn to their bodies as a source of food.

How To Keep Stink Bugs Out

There is a common belief that stink bugs enter buildings through cracks and crevices in west-facing walls because of the warmth. As soon as they settle in, stink bugs send out chemical signals called pheromones to attract more of their kind to the area. 

Shut Down The Entrances

You can use caulking to repair the seals around doors, windows, and other access points used by utilities. Check the welds where dissimilar materials meet, such as where wood siding meets brick or concrete block. Fill in any gaps with caulk. You should first look for and seal any easily accessible entry points. Caulk any gaps or cracks (glass should use a silicone-based caulk) or make any other necessary repairs to close entryways.

Keeping Stink Bugs Out Of Your House Could Be The Most Effective Method Of Dealing With Them.

Similarly, no matter how small, you should have it fixed if you find any damage to the siding or foundation. Finally, look under the roof overhang, behind chimneys, and around any utility pipes. In short, stink bugs can enter a home through any opening that allows outside air or moisture in. Follow the rules.

Be Sure To Double-Check The Doors!

Check the rubber seal on the garage door and other weather stripping and sweeps on the doors. Substitute when necessary.

Check Displays

Locate the leaks and repair them if necessary. Keep the screens snug in their respective recesses. Some homeowners have reported success using dryer sheets to rub their screens to prevent bugs from settling in.

Press It!

According to some homeowners, squishing a few stink bugs at the site where they are congregating can deter future infestations. Some people even make a spray to ward off stink bugs by blending stink bugs with water and then straining out the solids.

Chemicals To Think About

If you've reduced the amount of light in the area and tried sealing all possible entry points, but the stink bugs are still a problem, you may need to resort to chemical measures. Deltamethrin, a pesticide commonly found in chemical sprays, is effective against stink bugs and can be applied near entry points, around windows, and in other high-traffic areas.

Best Advice For Stink Bug Control

Close All Potential Points Of Entry

Check for moisture behind chimneys, under the wooden fascia, and around any other penetrations in the exterior walls. It would help if you used a high-quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk to fill any gaps or holes.

It's Time To Fix And Replace

Repairing or replacing damaged screens on windows and doors is essential because stink bugs can squeeze through even the tiniest openings. You should inspect weatherstripping for tears and fix any loose mortar immediately. You can install a door sweep if it is deemed necessary.

You Should Turn The Lights Off

Because stink bugs are drawn to light, it's best to keep outdoor lighting to a minimum. It is essential to shut off porch lights and window blinds at night to reduce the amount of light that escapes into the neighbourhood.

Preventing stink bugs can also involve denying them food sources. Keep food in airtight containers and trash in containers with tight lids. Also, remember to sweep the floor and wipe down the counters to eliminate any crumbs or spill residue.

Ventilate

Subterranean areas, storage sheds, garages, and crawl spaces all need adequate ventilation to prevent mould growth and other microbial breeding grounds. A dehumidifier could be helpful in these situations. It's also a good idea to get screens for your chimney and any vents in your attic.

Please Double-Check Your Personal Effects

Before bringing holiday decoration boxes or grocery bags inside, ensure they pass inspection. Stink bugs can hitch a ride on these items and set up shop in a warm, dry corner of your home.

Stink Bugs Without Insecticides

Vacuum Up The Stink Bugs

There is a caveat, though. Following that, you need to be very cautious when handling the vacuum bag. Seal it up securely and throw it away immediately somewhere far from your house. Doing otherwise would be asking for trouble. Also, you shouldn't use this method if you have a bagless vacuum unless you plan on throwing away both the vacuum and the smell afterwards.

Wash Them Down With Detergent

Drop the stink bugs into the detergent and water solution with a stick or a gloved hand. The key is to move so that you don't give the bugs a chance to release their foul odour.

Try Your Hand At Making A Nicotine Elixir

It's nice to have a smoker around for a change. Cigarettes or butts can be shredded and added to a gallon of warm water (about 20 cigarettes' worth of tobacco). Soak the mixture overnight and strain it the next day to remove the debris. Then, pour the remaining liquid into a spray bottle and add about two tablespoons of dish detergent. As of right now, you can get your hands on a spray that will quickly and efficiently eliminate any stink bugs you encounter. Please use caution when handling the solution and protect your hands by donning a pair of rubber gloves.

Put Up A Bug Zapper That Uses Electricity

You can quickly eliminate stink bugs with the help of a common bug zapper if it is hung in a dark, windowless area of your home. Since the electrical current kills the insects, there won't be any lingering odour. Remember that cleaning the bug zapper once every few days is essential to keeping it functioning correctly. (If the infestation isn't too bad, you may be able to go longer between cleanings.)

When To Call A Professional 

If you're dealing with a small, manageable infestation of stink bugs, any of the above methods should do the trick. However, remember that some homeowners have reported finding hundreds or even thousands of stink bugs in their homes. Don't put off contacting an expert pest control service until the problem has worsened to this point. An exterminator with the proper credentials will not only rid your home of pests but also offer guidance on avoiding future infestations.

Conclusion

We empathise with your predicament if you've been trying in vain to eliminate stink bugs. It may seem impossible to rid your home of these annoying critters completely. We have compiled this guide for homeowners based on the experiences of those who have gone before you. 

Content Summary

• Native shrubs, vines, and weeds are fair game for stink bugs, which is bad news for gardeners.
• If you can't give these pests a safe spot to spend the winter, you won't have to worry about them in the spring.
• Stink bugs, once inside, will steadily multiply during the winter.
• When fall comes around, stink bugs and other pests start looking for a cosy home to spend the winter since they must move their breeding and feeding activities indoors.
• If you have a stink bug problem, you can spray a mixture of 32 ounces of water and two tablespoons of neem oil at potential access places such windowsills.
• Stink bugs can be kept out of a home by mixing two cups of water with four teaspoons of garlic powder or a handful of garlic cloves.
• In the event of a severe infestation, some people choose to purchase a specialised type of small shop vac designed specifically for the purpose of eradicating stink bugs.
• Caulking can be used to fix the seals around utility access points like doors, windows, and vents.
• In the first place, you need to check for and secure any ports of entry that are particularly simple for intruders to use.
• Remember to play by the book.
• If the stink bugs persist despite your efforts to limit ambient light and secure potential entry sites, you may need to resort to chemical controls.
• Stink bugs are attracted to light, so turning on too many outside lights can attract them.
• For a change, it's great to be around a smoker.
• Hanging a regular bug zapper in a room with no windows is an effective way to get rid of stink bugs rapidly.
• Do not wait for the problem to become severe before calling a professional pest control agency.
• If you've been having trouble getting rid of stink bugs, we feel your pain.
• It might appear hopeless to completely protect your property from these pests.
• It is common for stink bugs to start their life cycle in the spring, when the temperature is mild.