13 Ways to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in Your Home

Stink bugs get their name from the foul odor they give off when threatened or squished. As you have experienced their smell can be quite strong and unpleasant.

Stink bugs can be unpleasant to have around, and they’re pretty good at getting into your home. If you notice a lot of them outside your property, it may be time to start thinking about how to get rid of stink bugs in your home.

One of the main reasons that stink bugs come into your home is to seek out warmth. As the temperature outside begins to drop, stink bugs will try to find ways to get into warm places, and your home is the perfect place for them to do that. Stink bugs are attracted to light as well, so if you’re leaving your windows open during the day, you may be inviting them indoors.

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent stink bugs from entering your home and getting into places where they can cause damage or annoy you. Some of these include:

1. Fill Cracks and Crevices

To get rid of stink bugs, you’d better make your home less inviting to them. These pests are attracted to homes because they offer shelter and warmth. To deter them, you need to fill in any cracks or crevices around your home where they might be able to sneak in.

Check the exterior of your home for any cracks in the foundation or around windows and doors. Use caulk to fill in these openings, which will help keep stink bugs out.

You should also make sure that your screens are free of holes or tears. If they’re not, then stink bugs (and other pests) can easily crawl through and gain access to your home.

2. Clean Up Outside

Another important factor to consider when trying to get rid of stink bugs is taking steps to prevent them from coming into your home. This means cleaning up any debris or trash piles outside, since these can serve as a breeding ground for stink bugs and other insects.

Additionally, you should try to keep all vegetation and plants away from your home, as these can provide a pathway for stink bugs to enter your house. You should also check any cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and soffits to ensure they are sealed properly.

3. Remove Their Food Sources

Stink bugs are attracted to certain types of fruits and vegetables, so if you have these items in your home, it’s likely that the bugs will be drawn to them. To get rid of stink bugs, you need to remove their food sources.

Start by inspecting any fruits or vegetables that you have in your home. If they’re starting to go bad, discard them immediately. You should also avoid bringing fresh fruits and vegetables into your home as much as possible, since these are likely to attract the bugs.

4. Use Essential Oil Sprays

Essential oil sprays are natural insecticides made from plant extracts and can be very effective at eliminating pests. They work by suffocating the insects, so you’ll need to reapply them regularly until all signs of the stink bugs have disappeared.

You can make your own essential oil spray at home using a combination of lemon, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils. Simply add 10 drops of each of these oils to a cup of water and shake well. Then, transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and spritz it around the perimeter of your home, as well as any areas where you’ve seen the bugs.

If you don’t have any essential oils on hand, you can also try a solution of vinegar and water. Just mix equal parts of each ingredient in a spray bottle and use it in the same way as the essential oil mixture.

5. Neem Oil

Neem oil is another effective way to get rid of stink bugs. This natural oil works by disrupting the life cycle of the insects, which ultimately leads to their death.

To use neem oil, mix it with water at a ratio of 2 tablespoons per cup. Then, transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and spritz it around the perimeter of your home. Be sure to focus on any areas where you’ve seen stink bugs in the past. You’ll need to reapply the neem oil every few days until the bugs are gone.

6. Soapy Water

If you don’t have any essential oils or neem oil on hand, you can also use soapy water as a natural insecticide. Simply fill a spray bottle with water and add several drops of dish soap. Then, spritz the mixture around your home to kill any stink bugs that come into contact with it.

The dish soap will work to suffocate the insects and eventually kill them. However, it’s important to note that this method won’t prevent new stink bugs from coming into your home. So, you may need to reapply the soapy water every few days until the infestation is gone.

7. Hang an Electric Bug Zapper

If you’re looking for a more high-tech way to get rid of stink bugs, you can try using an electric bug zapper. These devices emit a UV light that attracts insects, which are then electrocuted when they come into contact with the device.

To use a bug zapper, simply hang it near any areas where you’ve seen stink bugs in your home. The device will work to attract and kill any bugs that come near it.

8. Diatomaceous Earth

If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of stink bugs, diatomaceous earth is a good option. This powder is made from the fossilized remains of algae and works by puncturing the exoskeletons of insects, which leads to dehydration and death.

To use diatomaceous earth, sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home and in any areas where you’ve seen stink bugs. You can also put it in a bowl and set it out where the bugs are likely to congregate.

Be sure to wear a mask when handling diatomaceous earth, as it can be harmful if inhaled.

9. Turn Off the Lights

You can also try turning off the lights in your home at night. Stink bugs are attracted to light, so if you turn off all the lights and keep windows and doors closed, they’re less likely to come into your home.

10. Vacuum the Critters

If you have a lot of stink bugs in your home, it can be quite challenging to get rid of them all. But don’t worry, there are some tactics that can help to make the process easier. For instance, if you vacuum up any of the insects as soon as you see them, this can make extermination much simpler.

Be sure to empty the vacuum bag immediately after use to prevent the stink bugs from crawling back out. You can also add a few drops of essential oil, like lemon or eucalyptus, to the bag to help keep the bugs away.

11. Garlic Spray

Garlic is another effective natural repellent for stink bugs. The strong smell of garlic will deter the bugs from entering your home.

To make a garlic spray, mince 3 cloves of garlic and add them to a cup of water. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then strain out the garlic pieces. Pour the remaining liquid into a spray bottle and spritz it around the perimeter of your home.

And, as with any other treatment, you’ll need to reapply the garlic spray regularly until all signs of stink bugs have disappeared.

12. Consider Using Chemicals

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and you’re still struggling with a stink bug infestation, you may need to resort to using chemicals. There are a number of different chemical insecticides that you can use to kill stink bugs.

One option is to use an aerosinoid-based insecticide. These products work by disrupting the nervous system of the insects, which ultimately leads to their death.

Another option is to use a pyrethrin-based insecticide. Pyrethrins are plant-based pesticides that work by causing overstimulation of the insects’ nervous system, leading to paralysis and death.

Before using any chemical insecticides, however, it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions. Be sure to read all instructions carefully and follow the recommended dosage, as improper use can be harmful to both humans and pets. 

Also, try to avoid applying these products in areas where you spend a lot of time or near food preparation areas. By taking these precautions, you can effectively get rid of stink bugs using chemicals.

13. Professional Pest Control

If you’ve tried all of these methods and still can’t get rid of the stink bugs in your home, it may be time to call in a professional pest control service. These experts have special tools and techniques that can help to eradicate any pests, including stink bugs.

Final Thought

Trying to get rid of stink bugs can be a challenge, but with perseverance and the right approach, it’s definitely possible. Hope you can remove stink bugs from your home as soon as possible by using the methods above.