How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are most commonly found in the eastern half of the United States, but they do appear throughout the country. They are about ¼ inch long and have a shield-shaped body. Stink bugs are named for the unpleasant smell they emit when disturbed or crushed.
Although they are small, stink bugs can be a significant nuisance. They often enter homes in the fall as they search for a place to spend the winter. Once inside, they can be challenging to get rid of.
If you want to keep stink bugs out of your home, prevention is paramount. On this page, we will talk about the best methods for getting rid of stink bugs and how to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place.
WHAT IS A STINK BUG?
The term “stink bugs” encompasses a wide variety of insects that all have one thing in common—a foul odor. These bugs are typically brown or green and range in size from ½ to ¾ of an inch long. They can be found all over the United States but are most commonly spotted in the Midwest and Northeast.
Stink bugs are a nuisance because of their smell, but they also can damage crops and homes. They enter buildings through cracks and crevices in the walls and windows, and once inside, they can be tricky to remove.
They like to hole up in warm, dark places during the winter months, such as basements, so it’s essential to take steps to get rid of them before they have a chance to settle in.
WHY DO I SUDDENLY HAVE STINK BUGS?
If you have never had a problem with stink bugs before, and suddenly, they are showing up in your home, it is most likely due to unusual weather patterns such as mild winters. Stink bugs typically migrate indoors in the fall in search of a warm place to spend the winter.
WHAT ATTRACTS STINK BUGS?
Here are some things that attract stink bugs:
WATER
Stink bugs are attracted to water, so make sure your home is leak-free.
FOOD
Stink bugs are attracted to food, especially fruit. Make sure to clean up any fruit that has fallen on the ground and seal any food in containers with tight lids.
LIGHTING
Stink bugs are attracted to light, so avoid leaving lights on in rooms where you don’t need them.
To add to the list, I would like to mention that stink bugs are also attracted to certain types of houses. They prefer homes with lots of cracks and crevices, so if your home fits that description, you are more likely to have a problem with them.
HOW TO GET RID OF STINK BUGS?
When things start to warm up in the Spring, stink bugs come out of hibernation and start looking for a place to lay eggs, and soon your home is full of these pests.
While it can be challenging to get rid of stink bugs, it is not impossible. Here are some tips for getting rid of them:
VACUUM THEM UP
This is probably the easiest way to get rid of stink bugs. Vacuum them up as soon as you see them and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately so they can’t escape. It is important to vacuum them up quickly, as they can release their unpleasant odor when disturbed.
USE A PHEROMONE TRAP
Stink bugs are attracted to the traps and then they die inside. You just have to clear out the trap after it has done its job.
KILL THEM WITH ALCOHOL
Another way to get rid of stink bugs is to spray them with alcohol. You can buy a special stink bug killer at your local store, or you can use household items like vinegar or rubbing alcohol. This is a more environmentally friendly option, but it can be a little more labor-intensive.
USE AN INSECTICIDE
If all else fails, you can try using an insecticide. Be sure to read the directions carefully and follow all safety precautions. Only use insecticides as a last resort if you are confident in your ability to apply them safely.
Below are some tips if you are considering using an insecticide to get rid of the stink bugs in your home. Here are some tips for using insecticides:
- Choose the right insecticide. Choosing the proper insecticide is critical for success. Be sure to read the label and select one that is specifically designed to kill stink bugs.
- Apply insecticides safely. Insecticides can be dangerous if not used correctly, so it is essential to follow all safety precautions. Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles when applying insecticides, and make sure you are in a well-ventilated area. Also, keep pets and children away from the insecticide when using it.
- Apply insecticides correctly. Insecticides should be applied in a thorough and consistent manner. Be sure to cover all areas where stink bugs might hide, and repeat the application as necessary.
Insecticide are not always successful in completely getting rid of stink bugs, but they can be effective when used correctly. So be sure to try all of the methods above before resorting to insecticides.
CALL PROFESSIONALS
The tried and true option available is to call pest removal specialists. They will have the tools and experience to remove stink bugs from your home and prevent them from returning. They are experts at getting rid of bugs and pests in the basement.
HOW TO PREVENT STINK BUGS FROM GETTING INTO YOUR HOME
As we mentioned earlier, the best way to prevent stink bugs from getting into your home is to seal up any cracks and crevices where they might enter. You can also try these tips:
REMOVE THEIR FOOD SOURCES
If you remove their food sources, they will have less reason to come into your home. Clean up any fruit that has fallen on the ground, and store all food in containers with tight lids.
REMOVE THEIR WATER SOURCES
Stink bugs need water to survive, so remove any standing water from your property. Fix any leaks in your plumbing, and make sure your gutters are clear of debris.
INSTALL A SCREEN DOOR
If you have a screen door, the bugs will be less likely to enter your home.
SEAL THEM OUT
The best way to prevent stink bugs from getting into your home is to seal up any cracks and crevices where they might enter.
For example, use caulk to fill in any gaps around windows and doors and use wire mesh or screening to cover any vents or air ducts. If you have an unfinished basement, then cracks in your foundation are also optimal areas for stink bugs to enter through.
USE A LIGHT TRAP
You can buy a light trap to attract and kill stink bugs. They work by using a special light that attracts the bugs then kills them with an electric shock.
CONSULT WITH A PROFESSIONAL
Every home structure and stink bug problem is different. By hiring professionals to remove stink bugs from your home, you will get to discuss prevention methods that will work specifically for your situation.
WHY YOU NEED TO GET RID OF STINK BUGS
If you have a stink bug infestation, it is vital to take action right away. Here are some reasons why you need to get rid of stink bugs:
They can damage your property
Stink bugs can damage your home by chewing on the paint, metal, and plastic. They can also leave behind a nasty odor.
They can spread disease
Stink bugs can spread disease by biting humans and animals. They can also contaminate food with their droppings.
They can be a nuissance
Stink bugs can be a considerable annoyance, and they can be difficult to get rid of.
With these reasons in mind, it is clear that getting rid of stink bugs is vital for the safety and well-being of your family and property.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1
What kills stink bugs instantly?
Some insecticides can kill stink bugs instantly, but it is important to read the label and follow all safety precautions.
2
What scent repels stink bugs?
No one scent repels stink bugs, but citrus scents seem to be the most effective. Here are some tips for using citrus scents to repel stink bugs:
- Place a few drops of lemon oil or orange oil on a cotton ball and place it in areas where you have seen stink bugs.
- Spray a mixture of water and citrus juice around your doors and windows.
- Add a sliced lemon or lime to your compost bin.
Some other scents that have shown to be effective at repelling stink bugs are ammonia, vinegar, and peppermint oil. While these scents may help show some improvement for your problem, they are not effective 100% of the time.
3
How do you make a stink bug trap?
You can make a stink bug trap by filling a jar with water and adding a few drops of dish soap. The bugs will be attracted to the water, but they will not be able to escape because of the soap.
4
Do stink bugs lay eggs in the house?
Stink bugs can lay eggs in the house, and if left unchecked, the eggs can hatch and create a new infestation. Therefore, it is important to get rid of stink bugs to prevent this from happening as soon as you see them.
Stink bugs can be a huge nuisance, and they can be difficult to get rid of without emitting swaths of bad odors. However, with some patience and perseverance, you can remove them from your home and prevent them from returning.
