🪲 How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs Home Remedy 🏡

 

 Table of Contents

- Introduction

- Where Do Stink Bugs Come From?

  - Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Origin

  - Other Stink Bug Species Origins

- Why Get Rid of Stink Bugs?

  - Stink Bug Damage

  - Nuisance Issues

  - Health and Safety Concerns

- Natural Ways to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

  - Remove Food Sources

    - Eliminate Fruit Trees and Bushes 

    - Clear Out Vegetable Gardens

    - Remove Weeds and Debris

  - Use Essential Oils 

    - Peppermint Oil

    - Eucalyptus Oil

    - Tea Tree Oil

    - Lemongrass Oil

    - Other Essential Oils

  - Apply Diatomaceous Earth 

    - How Diatomaceous Earth Works

    - Where to Apply Diatomaceous Earth

  - Install Screens 

    - Window Screens

    - Door Screens 

    - Attic Vents

    - Crawl Space Vents

  - Use Traps 

    - Soapy Water Traps

    - Adhesive Traps

    - Light Traps

    - Pheromone Traps

  - Vacuum Them Up

    - Vacuum Method

    - Vacuum Tips

  - Spray Them With Soap and Water 

    - Soap and Water Mix

    - How to Apply Properly

  - Release Natural Predators 

    - Types of Natural Predators

    - Ways to Attract Natural Predators 

- Chemical Methods to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

  - Insecticide Sprays 

    - Outdoor Treatment

    - Indoor Treatment

    - Types of Insecticides

  - Foggers and Bombs 

    - Total Release Aerosols

    - Pyrethrin Foggers 

    - Safety Tips

- Prevent Stink Bugs From Returning

  - Caulk Cracks and Crevices

  - Install Weatherstripping

  - Prune Trees and Bushes

  - Remove Debris

  - Apply Insecticidal Dust

- When to Call a Professional

  - Fumigation

  - Heat Treatment

  - Outdoor Nest Treatment

  - Finding the Entry Points

- FAQs About Getting Rid of Stink Bugs

- Conclusion

 

 💡 Introduction

 

Stink bugs are a major nuisance pest that can invade homes and buildings by the dozens. With their piercing mouthparts, these bugs can damage fruits and vegetables in gardens. But what really makes them a problem is their tendency to release a foul "stink" when disturbed or crushed. This odor comes from glands that produce chemicals like trans-2-decenal and trans-2-octenal. Getting rid of stink bugs requires diligence, but there are many effective home remedies you can try.

 

 🤔 Where Do Stink Bugs Come From?

 

Stink bugs are not native to North America. Most troublesome species like the brown marmorated stink bug come from Asia, likely hitching a ride in cargo ships and vehicles at ports to arrive here. They were first identified in Pennsylvania in the late 1990s and have since spread across most of the country. Other types of stink bugs are also not native and have been unintentionally introduced over time.

 

 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Origin

 

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is the most common stink bug plaguing homes across the United States. It originated in eastern Asia, likely in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

 

This species went undetected until the mid-1990s when large numbers were documented attacking fruit orchards in Pennsylvania. Populations have since grown exponentially worse each year as they spread rapidly nationwide. They have now been spotted in over 40 states.

 

Researchers believe the brown marmorated stink bug likely arrived hidden away in shipping crates or vehicles at ports. International travel and transport of goods provides opportunities for non-native pests to hitchhike into new environments. Lack of natural predators then allowed populations to thrive.

 

 Other Stink Bug Species Origins

 

While the brown marmorated stink bug is the most widespread, several other nuisance stink bug species have been introduced from different regions:

 

- The brown stink bug migrated from Central America and Mexico

- The dusky stink bug comes from South America and the Caribbean

- The redbanded stink bug originated in southern states like Texas and Arizona

- The conchuela stink bug is native to Europe and Asia

 

 😤 Why Get Rid of Stink Bugs?

 

Stink bugs don't just damage gardens, they can also become a severe household nuisance. In the fall, these bugs start looking for warm places to overwinter. They often swarm on and inside homes, crawling through cracks and crevices. Once inside, they can emit their unpleasant odor if disturbed or squashed.

 

Getting rid of stink bugs quickly reduces pest damage and nuisance levels. Here are some specific problems they cause:

 

 Stink Bug Damage

 

Stink bugs feed on and damage various fruits, vegetables, and plants. Some of their favorites include:

 

- Tomatoes

- Beans

- Soybeans

- Apples

- Peaches

- Figs

- Citrus fruits

- Corn

- Melons

- Nuts

 

They use piercing sucking mouthparts to feed on seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and shoots. This can cause cosmetic damage on produce and stunt the growth of plants.

 

Some examples of feeding damage include:

 

- Catfacing on tomatoes - irregular dimpling and scarring

- Deformed beans and peas

- Corky spots on apples

- White speckling on leaves

- Shriveled developing shoots or fruit

 

Stink bugs can be especially detrimental to farms, orchards, nurseries, and gardens by reducing yields. But even individual homeowners may seem plants in their yard stunted or deformed by stink bug infestations.

 

 Nuisance Issues

 

In addition to plant damage, stink bugs cause enormous nuisance issues when they invade homes. In the fall, dropping temperatures trigger these insects to start seeking warm sheltered areas to spend the winter.

 

Hordes of stink bugs will mass on the exterior of buildings, attempting to crawl inside through any tiny gap they can find. Common entry points into homes include:

 

- Under siding and flashing

- Around door and window frames

- Through vent screens

- Under eaves and roof overhangs

- In gaps around utility pipes

- Through attic and crawl space vents

- In foundation cracks or gaps

 

Once inside, stink bugs become a significant nuisance. They do not cause structural damage, but will wander around endlessly emitting their pungent odor if disturbed. The stench is released as a defense mechanism and smells like cilantro, skunk, or burning rubber to many people.

 

Stink bugs swarm in bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and other living areas if uncontrolled. Their secretions can also stain fabrics, curtains, lampshades, and painted walls if they are crushed or vacuumed.

 

 Health and Safety Concerns

 

While stink bugs do not directly spread disease or pose health hazards, their foul smell, staining, and swarming behavior can cause concerns:

 

- The odor released can cause headaches, nausea, and irritation for sensitive individuals if inhaled in quantity.

 

- Pets or people may have allergic reactions to stink secretions. This can cause skin rashes or wheezing. 

 

- Stains from crushed stink bugs may ruin furniture, fabrics, carpets, drapes and other household items.

 

- Swarms buzzing around light fixtures can be unnerving, especially in bedrooms.

 

- Stink bugs crawling on skin or hair can be disturbing. The smell on hands after touching one is unpleasant.

 

- Large infestations lead to significant anxiety or unease in many homeowners unaccustomed to the pests.

 

For these reasons, getting rid of stink bugs is recommended whenever they start to invade living spaces or become a nuisance.

 

 🔎 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

 

Using natural methods can help control stink bugs without exposing your family to harsh chemicals. Here are some of the most effective natural remedies to get rid of existing pests and deter future ones:

 

 Remove Food Sources

 

To make your home and yard less attractive to stink bugs, eliminate any plants and debris they could use as food sources:

 

 Eliminate Fruit Trees and Bushes

 

If you have apple trees, peach trees, pear trees, citrus trees or berry bushes near your house, these can draw in stink bugs from the neighborhood. They provide excellent food sources.

 

You can either completely remove infested trees and bushes, or have them regularly sprayed with insecticidal soap or neem oil during stink bug season. Keep them heavily pruned so they do not touch the exterior.

 

Removing damaged fruit from the ground also takes away a food supply.

 

 Clear Out Vegetable Gardens

 

If you grow tomatoes, beans, peppers, corn or other vegetables, these are magnets for stink bugs. Either relocate the garden further from the house or be diligent about controlling pests on the plants.

 

Row covers, aluminum foil mulches, and chemical deterrents can make gardens less appealing. Removing debris and weeds helps eliminate hiding spots.

 

 Remove Weeds and Debris

 

Yards with accumulations of wood piles, stacks of bricks, leaves, grass clippings and other organic debris attract stink bugs. They hide and breed in these undisturbed spots.

 

Pruning overgrown vegetation, cleaning up piles of logs or lumber, and keeping the yard free of weeds reduces appeal. This gives them fewer places to find food and shelter.

 

 Use Essential Oils

 

Many plant essential oils deter stink bugs when the strong aroma is sprayed directly on them or around areas they frequent.

 

Some effective options include:

 

 Peppermint Oil

 

The potent menthol smell of peppermint oil repels stink bugs. Mix 15-20 drops of oil per cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray onto window screens, door frames, vents and other entry points.

 

 Eucalyptus Oil

 

This common essential oil has a medicinal scent that bugs dislike. Add approx 10 drops per cup of water and apply around potential pest entry points.

 

 Tea Tree Oil

 

Tea tree oil has an intense herbal aroma that can deter stink bugs. Make a spray with 5-10 drops oil per cup water.

 

 Lemongrass Oil

 

The lemony aroma of this essential oil makes an effective stink bug repellent spray. Use 8-10 drops per cup of water.

 

 Other Essential Oils

 

Oils like lavender, citronella, rosemary and clove can also help repel stink bugs when applied to infested areas. Mix 5-10 drops per cup of water and spray directly on bugs or perimeter entry points. The strong scent helps deter them from that area.

 

 Apply Diatomaceous Earth

 

Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from crushed fossilized diatoms. It is abrasive on an insect's exoskeleton, causing fatal dehydration when contacted. Apply a fine layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth around potential stink bug entryways:

 

 How Diatomaceous Earth Works

 

Diatomaceous earth contains microscopic sharp edges. When crawling insects like stink bugs walk through it, the sharp points scratch their protective outer coating. This allows precious moisture to escape, leading to fatal desiccation.

 

The powder is non-toxic for humans and pets though, so food-grade diatomaceous earth can be used safely around homes. Wear a mask to avoid breathing in the fine dust.

 

 Where to Apply Diatomaceous Earth

 

Use a dust applicator to apply a thin coating along:

 

- Window frames and sills

- Door frames

- Foundation cracks

- Attic vents

- Utility pipe openings

- Under siding

- Window well perimeters

 

Re-apply periodically after rain or cleaning. The abrasive powder deters stink bugs from traversing treated areas.

 

 Install Screens

 

Adding tight-fitting screens over any exterior openings blocks stink bugs from sneaking inside your home. Make sure there are no gaps around the edges.

 

 Window Screens

 

Check all windows and make sure they have well-sealed screens. Repair any holes or rips to prevent stink bugs entering through the gaps.

 

 Door Screens

 

Install screen doors over exterior doors and make sure the screens have no flaws stink bugs could crawl through. Avoid propping screen doors open for long periods.

 

 Attic Vents

 

Cover all attic vents with fine mesh stainless steel screening. This still allows airflow but prevents bugs entering from the roof eaves.

 

 Crawl Space Vents

 

Stink bugs can crawl through foundation vents into the crawl space. Installing securely fitted screens over all ground-level vents keeps them out.

 

 Use Traps

 

Traps can help capture and kill stink bugs lurking around your house's exterior:

 

 Soapy Water Traps

 

Fill jars partway with water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. The soap reduces surface tension so bugs fall in and drown once inside.

 

 Adhesive Traps

 

Sticky glue boards or tape traps snag stink bugs when they land on the adhesive surface. Place near doors, vents or windows.

 

 Light Traps

 

Hang a light over a pan of soapy water at night. Stink bugs attracted to the illumination will fall in and perish.

 

 Pheromone Traps

 

Special traps containing stink bug aggregation pheromones lure the insects inside. Position them around the perimeter of your home.

 

 Vacuum Them Up

 

A simple vacuum hose can suck up stink bugs lingering indoors:

 

 Vacuum Method

 

Use the narrow suction tube attachment and gently vacuum up any stink bugs crawling on walls, curtains, lampshades or other surfaces. Avoid crushing them if possible to prevent stink release.

 

 Vacuum Tips

 

Make sure to immediately empty the vacuum contents outside into a plastic bag and dispose of it. If left inside the canister, stink bug stench will permeate the vacuum.

 

 Spray Them with Soap and Water

 

A basic solution of soap and water can kill stink bugs on contact. This works for isolated bugs located outdoors:

 

 Soap and Water Mix

 

Add 2-3 tablespoons of liquid dish or insecticidal soap to 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix thoroughly.

 

 How to Apply Properly

 

Spot treat individual stink bugs clustered on walls, windows, or patio furniture by spraying the soap solution directly onto them. The soap disrupts their waxy protective coating causing dehydration.

 

 Release Natural Predators

 

Encouraging beneficial predatory insects, birds, and other creatures that feed on stink bugs can help control populations naturally over time.

 

 Types of Natural Predators

 

Some animals that consume stink bugs include:

 

- Lady beetles (ladybugs)

- Praying mantises 

- Lacewings

- Assassin bugs

- Small birds like chickadees

- Chickens

- Lizards

- Wolf spiders and other predators

 

 Ways to Attract Natural Predators

 

You can draw these predators to your yard by:

 

- Planting pollinator gardens with native flowering plants they use for food and shelter.

 

- Putting up bird houses, bird baths, and bird feeders.

 

- Building brush piles that offer nesting sites for beneficial insects.

 

- Avoiding use of broad-spectrum pesticides that kill all insects indiscriminately.

 

 💣 Chemical Methods to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

 

For severe infestations, or when natural remedies prove insufficient, certain chemical treatments can help eliminate stink bug populations:

 

 Insecticide Sprays

 

Liquid insecticide sprays and aerosols containing chemicals that kill stink bugs on contact can treat large outbreaks if applied correctly:

 

 Outdoor Treatment

 

It's usually best to spray the exterior of the home to form a chemical perimeter killing bugs before they get inside. Treat window frames, door frames, weep holes, vents, pipes, siding joints, and foundation cracks.

 

 Indoor Treatment

 

For indoor application, use products specially formulated for indoor use and make sure to completely follow all label directions. Never spray chemicals around pets, children, or pregnant women. Open windows and ventilate after application.

 

 Types of Insecticides

 

Effective active ingredients to look for include:

 

- Pyrethroids: Permethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin

- Pyrethrins: Allethrin, prallethrin, phenothrin

- Neonicotinoids: Acetamiprid, imidacloprid, dinotefuran

 

 Foggers and Bombs

 

Total release foggers and bug bombs containing chemicals that kill on contact provide quick knockdown of stink bugs indoors:

 

 Total Release Aerosols

 

Foggers like the Hot Shot or Raid fogs release pressurized insecticidal aerosols that fill a room with fine mists which kill bugs on contact. They contain chemicals like pyrethrins, prallethrin and esbiothrin.

 

 Pyrethrin Foggers

 

Pyrethrin foggers made specifically for stink bugs can kill them within minutes of contact. Use caution and follow all safety steps on the label. Never use foggers around pets or small children.

 

 Safety Tips

 

When using foggers or bombs:

 

- Remove pets and people from the building according to the label directions.

 

- Open cabinets, closets and interior doors so the mist can penetrate.

 

- Turn off HVAC systems and close vents.

 

- Adhere to required evacuation period before re-entering.

 

- Ventilate thoroughly before allowing re-entry of children or pets.

 

- Never use near open flames or pilot lights.

 

 🛑 Prevent Stink Bugs from Returning

 

Once you have eliminated a stink bug infestation, there are several prevention tips that can help stop them from getting back into your home again:

 

 Caulk Cracks and Crevices

 

Caulk and seal any possible entryways around the exterior using silicone or acrylic latex caulk:

 

- Window and door frames

- Utility penetrations

- Foundation cracks

- Siding and flashing joints

- Attic and crawl space vents

 

This leaves no gaps for them to squeeze back through.

 

 Install Weatherstripping

 

Install or replace weatherstripping around doors and windows to seal any gaps around the edges. Look for felt, foam, vinyl, or rubber seal strips that block off openings.

 

 Prune Trees and Bushes

 

Prune back any overgrown trees, shrubs, or branches touching the side of the house. Eliminate contact points where bugs can access the roof or siding.

 

 Remove Debris

 

Keep the yard free of piles of wood, compost, rocks, and organic debris where stink bugs may hide. Eliminate appealing harborage areas.

 

 Apply Insecticidal Dust

 

Apply a light dusting of diatomaceous earth, boric acid, or silica gel in a perimeter band a few feet wide around the foundation. This creates a chemical barrier to deter insects. Re-apply after heavy rain.

 

 📞 When to Call a Professional

 

For severe recurring stink bug problems, a pest control professional may be needed to completely eliminate them:

 

 Fumigation

 

Whole structure fumigation tents the house and fills it with sulfuryl fluoride gas to kill all bugs inside. This is 100% effective but expensive. Residents must vacate for several days after.

 

 Heat Treatment

 

Heating the entire house to 130°F+ kills all stages of stink bugs in walls, furniture, and belongings without chemicals. Residents must leave for the day.

 

 Outdoor Nest Treatment

 

Exterminators can professionally treat outdoor stink bug harborages and nests with long-lasting liquid concentrates or aerosol fogs. This helps reduce numbers that enter the home.

 

 Finding the Entry Points

 

A pest control technician can inspect the full exterior of the building and find all potential entry points that may have been missed. These can then be sealed up.

 

Professionals also have access to stronger chemical treatments not available to consumers if infestations are severe.

 

 FAQs About Getting Rid of Stink Bugs

 

 FAQ 1: Do stink bugs bite or sting?

 

No, stink bugs do not bite or sting humans or pets. They have piercing sucking mouthparts for extracting juices from plants, but these are not used to bite. The only harm they cause is from their foul defensive odor and garden damage.

 

 FAQ 2: What smells do stink bugs hate?

 

Strong herbal essential oil scents repel stink bugs, including peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass, and lavender oil. Herbs like mint, thyme, bay leaves and cloves also deter them when planted around the home.

 

 FAQ 3: Will dish soap kill stink bugs?

 

Yes, dish soap mixed with water kills stink bugs on contact by breaking down their protective waxy coating, causing dehydration and death. Spray soapy water directly on bugs to get rid of them. Avoid spraying plants as it may harm them.

 

 FAQ 4: Do stink bugs play dead?

 

Stink bugs will often play dead and freeze their legs in a curled position when threatened. They are not actually dead, just mimicking death to avoid predators. A gentle nudge will usually cause them to scurry away.

 

 FAQ 5: How do you find stink bug nests outside?

 

Check protected areas around the home like wall cracks, roof and siding junctions, under attic vents, behind shutters, and inside leaf litter or mulched beds. Look for clusters of stink bug eggs or newly hatched nymphs to locate nests.

 

 FAQ 6: Can you vacuum up stink bugs?

 

Yes, a vacuum hose with a narrow attachment can suck up stink bugs from walls, drapes, etc. inside the home. Empty the canister contents immediately outside into a bag and dispose of it, or the bugs may stink up the vacuum.

 

 FAQ 7: How do stink bugs get inside?

 

Stink bugs enter through any small exterior gaps like cracks under siding, around windows/doors, through vents, under eaves, or where utilities penetrate walls. Sealing these openings helps prevent them from sneaking inside.

 

 FAQ 8: Will insecticide kill stink bugs?

 

Yes, insecticides with chemicals like bifenthrin, cyfluthrin and pyrethrins applied around the perimeter or foundation will kill stink bugs on contact. Indoor foggers are also effective when applied according to label directions.

 

 FAQ 9: Are stink bugs harmful to pets?

 

Stink bugs do not directly harm or poison pets, but eating them may cause minor mouth irritation and vomiting if the bug releases odor and taste chemicals. Their stink can also cling to pet fur. Try to prevent pets from eating stink bugs.

 

 FAQ 10: How long do stink bugs live?

 

The stink bug life cycle ranges from 28-70 days typically. They live 4-6 weeks actively in warmer months, then become dormant in winter where they can survive a few more months while overwintering. Total lifespan depends on environment.

 

 🏁 Conclusion

 

Stink bugs can certainly be challenging and frustrating pests once they invade a home. But through diligent sanitation, exclusion, traps, natural repellents, and pesticides when necessary, you can eliminate existing infestations and prevent recurring stink bug issues in the future. With persistent monitoring and quick treatment when spotted, you can defend your home against these smelly invaders.