How to Banish Stink Bugs for Good: Expert Tips from Exterminators

You're not alone if you're battling bothersome stink bugs! Although they may leave a bad scent behind, these odorous insects pose little threat to people. Known as the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), these invasive brown insects are infamous for their three separate body segments, shield-like form, and brown-gray appearance with white undersides and black flecks. However, why do they emit such a potent, disagreeable odor when agitated? Let's examine how to keep these unwelcome visitors out of your house as well as those that may bite, such as bedbugs.

DEFINITION

The Pentatomidae family of stink bugs originated in Asia. Because of their shield-like form and the disagreeable smell they emit when disturbed, these insects are easily recognized. Two of the most prevalent species in North America are the green stink bug (Chinavia hilaris) and the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). These pests were unintentionally brought to the United States from Asia in the 1990s, and they have since spread throughout the nation.

When threatened or crushed, stink bugs produce a foul odor, hence their name. Some people may detect the odor more than others; it's frequently likened to sulfur, ammonia, or rotting flesh. Pest control professionals offer practical advice on how to eradicate and avoid these foul-smelling visitors if you're having problems with stink bugs in your house.

Why Are Stink Bugs Attracted to Your House?

Because they are attracted to light and warmth, stink bugs frequently seek refuge indoors when the weather cools. These undesirable pests infiltrate homes in need of a cozy spot to spend the winter months from late summer to October. When they come out of their hibernation-like state in the spring, you can also come across them. Although they favor warm, dry spaces, they will also look for moisture in areas like your kitchen and bathroom or next to plant pots.

According to Vincent Luca, proprietor of On Demand Pest Control, "they enter through gaps and crevices around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and under eaves." "Stink bugs frequently crawl on walls or curtains close to sunny windows because they are particularly drawn to light."

Stink bugs are also attracted to homes with outdoor gardens or vegetation because they are attracted to food sources including fruits, vegetables, and plants that generate sap or nectar.

Ways to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

It takes work to get rid of stink bugs, particularly if you have an infestation. Fortunately, depending on the extent of the issue and the equipment you have on hand, there are easy steps you may do to get rid of them.

Remove Clutter from Hiding Places

Cluttered spaces like garages, basements, and attics are ideal hiding places for stink bugs. It's time to get rid of any boxes that contain outdated stuff that you no longer require. In a similar vein, heaps of clothing or laundry, including old sheets or curtains, are perfect hiding spots. Eliminate or arrange any objects that are attracting stink bugs. Regular mopping and dusting will also help keep your house clean. One simple technique to get rid of bugs that are hiding inside of goods is to throw them out.

Seal Every Point of Entry

Experts at squeezing through gaps around windows and doors are stink bugs. Make sure these locations are weather-stripped and caulked correctly. "Seal any gaps in your house and fix any broken window screens," advises John M. Kauffman, Ph.D., regional technical manager at TruGreen. "Use curtains or blinds to prevent stink bugs from being attracted to your indoor lights, and minimize outdoor lighting because they are attracted to light."

Take Care of Your Yard

Maintaining your lawn and landscaping is crucial because overgrown or neglected plants can attract stink bugs. Luca suggests clearing away any plants or garbage that can draw stink bugs. You may lessen the quantity of pests around your house by regularly cleaning your yard.

Make a Garlic Mist

Stink bugs are naturally repelled by garlic. Spray windowsills and entrances where stink bugs could enter using a solution made from two cups water and four tablespoons of garlic powder.

Use Soapy Water

When startled, stink bugs frequently fall directly to the ground. By setting a jar filled with warm water and dish soap underneath them, you can benefit from this. Gently flick the beetle into the jar if it doesn't fall. The stink bug will drown once it's in the solution. Another option is to mist access points like windowsills and doorways with a soapy water solution made of 32 ounces (1 liter) of warm water and 3/4 cup (180 ml) of dish soap. Stink bugs are dehydrated by this solution, which ultimately kills them.

Sweep or Vacuum

Use a broom or vacuum to get rid of stink bugs from your house swiftly. Kauffman advises dumping the vacuum bag or canister outside and using a HEPA filter to reduce odors. After using your vacuum, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning to get rid of any residual smells.

WARINING

When using a vacuum, pick an older model and give it a thorough cleaning afterwards because the smell of the stink bug may linger inside.

Hiring a Professional Removal

Hiring an exterminator can be the best course of action if your infestation is extensive. For stink bugs, exterminators employ specialized pesticides or traps. To reduce the negative effects on your house and the environment, inquire about eco-friendly solutions like fumigation or traps. To lessen the quantity of stink bugs in the area around your house, you may also engage a yard pest control service.

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Apply insecticides

When sprayed directly on stink bugs, pyrethrin-based insecticides made from chrysanthemum flowers work well. Additionally, these insecticides are effective against flies, ants, fleas, and mosquitoes.

TIPS:

The way food-grade diatomaceous earth kills a range of pests is by dehydrating and breaking down the exoskeletons of insects. Insects such as cockroaches, ants, mites, and silverfish can be avoided by establishing a barrier of defense both within and outside your house.

Install DIY Traps

To draw stink bugs, place a pan or dish of soapy water near a light source. They will fall into the soapy water and drown because they are attracted to light. To make sure the bugs are trapped, use enough soapy water and a dish that they can easily crawl into.

Get rid of the stink bugs.

Although it's simple, squashing stink bugs isn't the best technique to get rid of them. As a defense mechanism, crushing them generates an unpleasant stench, which can leave residue or stains on upholstery and surfaces.

How to Prevent Stink Bugs in Your House

The first line of protection is to keep stink bugs out of your house. To keep these pests at bay, routine inspections are necessary.

Look for their gray-brown coloration and characteristic shield shape. The following advice will help keep stink bugs away:

Seal Points of Entry

Any cracks around windows and doors can be sealed with caulk. Look for any gaps in the siding or window screens that can allow an access site.

Reduce the amount of outdoor lighting

Limiting the amount of outdoor lighting can assist, as stink bugs are drawn to light. Choose yellow light bulbs if you must use them because they are less brilliant and less appealing to insects.

Get rid of yard debris

Stink bugs and other pests can be deterred from entering your yardby keeping your lawn and food sources clean. Remove any dead vegetation and trim plants on a regular basis.

Employ Fragrances That Keep Stink Bugs Away

Certain smells, such as citrus, lavender, mint, and garlic, turn stink bugs off. To keep them away, place an essential oil diffuser with these fragrances next to windows and doorways.

Make Use of a Dehumidifier

Although they require moisture to survive, stink bugs do well in warm, dry climates. In wet spaces like bathrooms and basements, using a dehumidifier can help prevent the growth of stink bugs.

Are Humans or Pets at Risk from Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs don't directly injure people or pets, but they can seriously affect crops. By draining the liquids from fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, these invasive pests can cause agricultural losses worth millions of dollars.

Stink bugs are more of an irritation than a health hazard, despite their potential to be a nuisance. The majority of stink bugs do not bite, although they occasionally might if they feel threatened, which might be rather upsetting. They do not, however, spread illness to people or animals and are not toxic.

QUESTIONS

Which smells repel stink bugs?

Stink bugs are known to be repelled by garlic. It has also been demonstrated that essential oils such as ylang-ylang, clove, lemongrass, and spearmint repel them. These oils are among the finest natural repellents, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Applied Entomology.

Why do my house have so many stink bugs?

Pheromones are released by stink bugs to let other stink bugs know they've located a nice location. More stink bugs may arrive as a result of this. They can also be drawn to food sources like fruit high in nectar or plants that produce sap. Stink bugs are also attracted indoors by poorly sealed windows, doors, pipes, and bright lighting.

How long is the season for stink bugs?

March through September is when stink bugs are most active. In the spring, they deposit their eggs, and in the fall, as the temperature drops, they seek refuge indoors for the winter. They go into a hibernation-like state in the winter and may remain there until April, when they come out.

In what locations do stink bugs build their nests?

In the spring, stink bugs lay their eggs outside, usually on the undersides of leaves. Typically, they don't lay their eggs indoors.

Is there anything that kills stink bugs instantly?

Yes, a number of substances have the ability to instantly destroy stink bugs. They can be successfully killed using a solution of water and dish soap or insecticidal detergent. Rubbing alcohol and pesticides containing pyrethrin also work. They also die as a result of diatomaceous earth damaging their exoskeletons upon touch.

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