The name tells us exactly why you need these top 9 ways to keep sting bugs away. While you might believe that spraying room freshener will probably do the trick, you couldn’t be further from the truth.
Ultimately, when dealing with the stink that these pests leave behind, you must tackle the root issue – the stink bugs themselves. So, keep reading to understand how you can do just that!
Table of Contents
What exactly are stink bugs?
Stink bugs are a type of insect that feeds on plant sap. They can be found all over the world and typically enter homes in the fall when they are looking for a place to overwinter.
These pests get their name from the unpleasant smell they produce when threatened or killed. These bugs range in color from green to brown and have a shield-shaped body perched upon stick legs.
However, the best way to describe stink bugs is by the characteristic odor they release when disturbed. They can fly fairly well but crawl very slowly.
While most people opt to squash them, there are less smelly ways of getting rid of them. Thankfully for you, I have discussed the top 9 ways you can use to keep these bugs away from you!
What do stink bugs look like?
Stink bugs are a type of insect that is native to China and the far East. They have been making their way to North America in increasing numbers over the past few years. They are identifiable by their shield-shaped body, brown color, and characteristic smell.
There seems to be some discrepancy over what stink bugs actually look like. These bugs grow up to be about two centimeters in length and could be either oval-shaped or shaped like a shield!
Further, their six limbs make their body look extremely large. In fact, stink bugs are pretty big, and they tend to be almost as wide as they are long.
Why do stink bugs really stink?
Stink bugs release a smell when they are threatened or feel like they are in danger. This smell is used to deter predators and can be very unpleasant.
The chemicals that they release onto their bodies are foul-tasting, and when the liquid evaporates, it spreads throughout the air, convincing predators that they taste just awful.
Interestingly, stink bugs use their smelly glands not just to ward off predators and enemies but also to attract other stink bugs.
The smell lets the other bugs know that an area is a safe place to winter since it’s already been checked out by a member of the group.
The use of stink to deter predators or even attract their own kind is one of nature’s many ways of keeping its creatures safe. Even skunks use a similar tactic for the same purpose.
What Are Stink Bugs Attracted To?
Now, the obvious question in your head must be what is it around you that these pests are attracted to. Well, don’t fret. These bugs are attracted to anything and everything.
The garden and landscape around your house
Sometimes, these bugs get attracted to a few plants and trees that you might have growing in your backyard!
While there are ways to tackle this sort of attraction, it still helps to reconsider some of the plants you’re growing after discussing it with your gardener!
Here are some of the common attractions for stink bugs in your landscape: redbud, lilac, maple, serviceberry, crabapple, cherry, and ash trees.
You can relax a little bit because stink bugs will rarely ever infest your garden in the winters or make their home in piles of leaves.
Further, the lighting setup around your house and your landscape could also be reason enough for these stink bugs to wonder their way in!
The warmth of your home in cool weather
Stink bugs migrate indoors in the fall to avoid the cold weather. They are looking for a warm place to stay and will often invade homes through cracks and crevices.
When the weather starts to cool down, many homeowners turn on their heaters for the first time in months. Unfortunately, this can also attract stink bugs, who will enter your home in search of warmth.
The best way to prevent them from getting in is to seal any cracks or openings around your doors and windows. Additionally, you can use a pest control spray or deterrents like cinnamon or lavender oil to keep them away.
Top 9 ways to keep sting bugs away
Well, enough beating around the bush! Here, I present to you the top 9 tips that you can use to keep these bugs away from you and your house, regardless of how cold the weather gets or what kinds of trees you have growing in your backyard!
Essential oil sprays
Of the many types of essential oils, mint is a particularly powerful option that you can spray around the house to keep stinging bugs away.
While it may smell wonderful to your nose, mint works as an excellent repellent spray against these bugs without adding any harmful chemicals into your immediate environment!
Diatomaceous earth powder
Diatomaceous earth is a natural sedimentary rock that can be used to keep stink bugs away. It is made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae.
This compound contains silica, alumina, and iron oxide, which essentially breaks down the protective waxy layer on the exoskeleton and dehydrates them, ultimately killing them.
Therefore, placing or sprinkling this substance near the entry points of your home can work quite well in killing these bugs before they enter your home!
Garlic-based repellent spray
Garlic spray is a natural repellent that can be used to keep stink bugs away. It is made by mixing garlic cloves and water in a blender, then straining the mixture.
The reason why it works is that the smell of garlic is offensive to stink bugs, and they will usually stay away from homes or buildings where the scent is present.
The resulting liquid can be sprayed around the perimeter of your house or on plants that are susceptible to stink bugs.
Seal all potential points of entry
One of the best ways to keep stink bugs from invading your home is to seal all potential points of entry. This includes cracks and crevices around doors and windows, as well as holes or openings in the walls or roof.
You can use caulk, weather stripping, or screens to close off these areas.
In conjunction with sealing all such points in your home, you should make use of repellant sprays, whether homemade or pesticide-based!
Adopting both these methods works extremely well in preventing stink bugs from entering your home!
Vacuum any stink bugs that you can spot
When you see a stink bug, the best way to get rid of it is to vacuum it up. Make sure you do this quickly, as they can release an unpleasant smell when squished. You may also want to try using a broom or a dustpan to sweep them up.
Simply make sure that you empty the vacuum cleaner bag or container outside to avoid any unpleasant smells in your home after you have sucked these bugs into the vacuum.
Keep your surroundings dry.
Stink bugs are attracted to warm places with high moisture levels. This means that you can keep them away by ensuring your surroundings are dry.
You can do this by fixing any leaks in your home, using a dehumidifier, and keeping your plants well-watered.
It is important to keep your surroundings dry because, if these areas are left unchecked, you may end up with more than just stink bugs in your home- like clogged drains and dripping pipes. All of which can lead to some serious levels of stink bug infestations.
Switch off the lights
One of the simplest ways to keep pests like stink bugs away is by turning off the lights at night. This will avoid attracting them to your home in the first place.
These stink bugs could also die inside your light bulbs and tube lights. If you have too many dead stink bugs, it can attract other pests and be a nuisance.
Try to seal up any openings where the stink bugs might be getting in, and use a bright light to lure them out during the day so you can kill them rather than leaving your lights on at night!.
Don’t give them any access to food.
As I said, these bugs are attracted to nearly anything and everything in your house. However, more specifically, like most other creatures, stink bugs are attracted to any source of sustenance that they can find in your house.
Therefore, make sure you don’t leave any crumbs of food out for these bugs to find and live off! Keeping leftovers inside your refrigerator or sealing them in vacuum baggies are great habits to prevent stink bugs from infesting your house.
Keep your outsides clean.
A fantastic way to keep stink bugs away is to make sure your yard is clean and free of debris. This includes keeping your lawn trimmed and removing any piles of leaves or other refuse.
Further, clear out any leaves, branches, or other waste that might attract pests. Additionally, make sure you seal up any cracks or openings in your home where pests could enter.
How to get rid of stink bugs with pesticides?
There are a number of ways to keep stink bugs away without using harsh, synthetic pesticides.
Some effective methods include using organic pesticides such as neem oil, pyrethrin, and rotenone. These pesticides are derived from plants and can be used safely around pets and children.
Another way to keep stink bugs away is by using a nicotine solution. The solution can be made from shredded cigarettes or tobacco, and it will deter the stink bugs from coming near.
However, it is important for you to remember that this method should only be used as a last resort as the nicotine is poisonous.
To create a nicotine solution, simply soak the tobacco leaves in warm water. Next, mix a little detergent into the existing solution and spray it through a filter in areas where you can spot stink bugs!
Bear in mind that if none of these methods work, you should get in touch with your local pest control expert!
Conclusion
The thing to remember is that stink bugs are extremely stinky creatures that you simply don’t want to have to deal with. Therefore, following these 9 tips can go a long way in keeping your house stink and bug-free!
While you can opt for organic means of treating these bugs, at times, the infestation might be so severe that you won’t have any option but to treat your house with chemical pesticides. However, here’s to hoping that the situation doesn’t get as bad!
