Stink bugs typically don’t get the same “I’ll squish you!” reaction other pests evoke when people come across them for fear of being exposed to the unpleasant odor they release when they’re squished. Around 2cm long, brown, and with a shield-like shape, stink bugs won’t bite or sting, but they are a nuisance. For one, they will eat plants in your home.
Learn more about why stink bugs enter your home to begin with and what you can do to get them out. And remember, Mosquito Joe® is here to help with our professional pest control services.
How Do Stink Bugs Get Into Your House?
Stink bugs are drawn to the warmth and shelter your home provides, particularly when temperatures drop. During late summer and early fall, stink bugs start looking for places to overwinter, and our homes become an appealing option. Bright lights can lure them in, especially during the evening.
Stink bugs often enter homes through small cracks in windows, doors, walls, and foundations. Openings around utility pipes, chimneys, and attic vents can also be potential entry points. Since their presence is often seasonal during colder months, they may remain dormant in walls and other hidden areas until spring.
Why Should You Get Rid of Stink Bugs?
Although stink bugs don’t directly harm humans, they can be unpleasant and bothersome. Their presence can disrupt your comfort, affect indoor and outdoor plants, and create additional maintenance concerns. Here are some specific reasons why getting rid of stink bugs is important.
Odor Issues
Obtaining their name from the foul smell they release when they feel threatened or are crushed, stink bugs emit a strong odor that can linger in the air and on surfaces like carpets, curtains, and upholstery. Accidentally stepping on or squishing a stink bug can quickly spread the smell, making it especially challenging to remove it in closed spaces.
Property Damage
Stink bugs are known to harm fruits, vegetables, and garden plants outdoors, as well as indoor plants such as decorative flowers and herbs. They pierce the leaves and stems of plants to feed, leaving behind spots and scars that can ruin crops and flowers. For gardeners and farmers, a stink bug invasion can lead to significant plant damage. And while stink bugs don’t chew on furniture, their droppings can stain indoor surfaces, leaving unsightly spots on walls, curtains, and furniture that may be difficult to clean.
Health and Sanitation Concerns
Although stink bugs don’t bite or carry diseases, their presence in large numbers can still affect your home’s cleanliness and air quality. As mentioned, their odor can be unpleasant, especially for those sensitive to strong smells. Dead stink bugs in hidden spaces like attics, wall voids, or vents can contribute to unpleasant odors and attract other pests, like ants and rodents, creating additional challenges.
Key Methods to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
You can get rid of stink bugs with the right approach and even help prevent future infestations with a few simple steps:
- Eliminate food sources: Cut off stink bugs’ food supply by getting rid of rotting food, taking the garbage out, and sweeping the floors.
- Use insecticides: Some insecticides target stink bugs. CAUTION! Many stink bug insecticides are not suitable for indoor use. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s label.
- Try natural stink bug repellents: Make your own natural stink bug repellents using essential oils (such as spearmint, lemongrass, or clove oil), diatomaceous earth, or garlic and apply it to problem areas and entry points.
- Reduce moisture: Make sure there are no leaking pipes, clogged drains, or dripping faucets. Moisture and lack of ventilation can create an inviting humid environment for stink bugs and other pests.
- Use soap spray: Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with hot water in a spray bottle. Spraying directly on stink bugs or where they gather to help dehydrate them and break down their shell usually works within a few minutes.
- Set traps: Stink bug traps work by luring the bugs using attractants such as UV light, heat, or pheromones (chemical signals that attract insects). Once drawn to the trap, the stink bugs are either captured with sticky surfaces, drowned in soapy water, or enclosed in a container.
- Vacuum: Many people choose to vacuum up stink bugs when they appear. If you do this, immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed plastic bag or container. Dispose of the bag or container promptly to prevent the stink bugs from emitting smells or finding their way back inside.
Preventing Stink Bugs Outside
The most effective way to manage stink bugs is to keep them out of your home in the first place. Start by inspecting and sealing any gaps or cracks around doors, windows, utility pipes, and other possible entry points. Adding weatherstripping to doors and caulking cracks can help block these pests from entering. Also, make sure window and door screens are in good condition and fit snugly to prevent bugs from slipping through.
Outside your home, clear away anything that might attract stink bugs, such as fallen leaves, weeds, and other debris. Keeping the area around your foundation clean and trimming back bushes can make your home less inviting. Since stink bugs are drawn to lights, consider limiting outdoor lighting at night and using motion sensors. Closing blinds and curtains in the evening can also help prevent indoor lights from attracting them to your windows. Taking these preventative steps can make a big difference in keeping stink bugs out year-round.
Additional Long-Term Pest Control Solutions
In addition to preventive steps, a more comprehensive, long-term pest control plan can help keep stink bugs—and other pests—away for good. Regular inspections and year-round home maintenance make a significant difference, especially if you’re dealing with repeated invasions. For a reliable and effective solution, consider our Mosquito Joe services, part of the Neighborly® network. With The Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and our own Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that each service is performed to the highest standard. Ready to get started? Contact us for a free estimate and enjoy a pest-free home all season long.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
