Say goodbye to these odiferous pests once and for all.
What Are Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs, scientifically known asPentatomidae, are a family of insects native to Asia.
Photo:Petra Richli/Getty Images
They are characterized by their distinctive shield-like shape and the smelly odor they emit when they feel threatened.
Stink bugs are named for their smelly odor, which they emit when they feel threatened or are crushed.
What Attracts Stink Bugs to Your Home?
Stink bugs are attracted by warmth and light.
When the weather cools, they usually creep into homes from late summer to fall.
The unwelcome bugs are seeking warm places to shelter for the cooler months.
You may also see them in spring as they emerge from a hibernation-like wintering state in your home.
Getting rid of infested items altogether is an easy way to get rid of the bugs hiding in them.
Spray Garlic
Garlic repels stink bugs and is a natural deterrent.
Then flush the stink bug and soapy water down the toilet.
The solution will dehydrate stink bugs who pass through it and eventually kill them.
Just be sure to clean the vacuum thoroughly and empty the dustbin after using it.
You won’t want to keep the bugs inside.
The stink bug odor has a tendency to cling to the vacuum cleaner after it’s done.
Exterminators use insecticides or trapping devices designed for stink bugs.
These insecticides also work against other household pests like mosquitoes, fleas,flies, and,ants.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth kills all kinds of insects by damaging their exoskeleton of insects and dehydrating them.
(Think cockroaches, ants, mites, and silverfish!)
Because stink bugs are attracted to light, this trap can drown them.
Squashing bugs can also leave behindstainsand residues on surfaces and upholstery.
Prevention is the first step to keep stink bugs out of your home.
When looking for stink bugs, watch for the telltale shield and gray-brown coloring.
Here are other some tips to keep stink bugs away.
Seal Entry Points
Try using caulking to seal up any cracks around doors and windows.
You should also be mindful of any tears in window screens or holes in siding.
If you’re going to use lights, yellow bulbs that aren’t as bright are better.
Are Stink Bugs Harmful to Humans or Pets?
Stink bugs are harmful to crops but not to humans or pets.
The invasive creatures can be very damaging to crops, causing millions of dollars worth of damage.
They feed on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, sucking their juice.
Although pesky, stink bugs are more of an annoyance than a danger to people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garlic is a deterrence to stink bugs.
Many essential oils have also been shown to repel stink bugs.
If stink bugs signal in your home, they will attract more stink bugs.
Poorly sealed doors, windows, pipes, and bright lights also attract stink bugs.
The most common time for stink bugs to hatch and thrive is from March through September.
They lay eggs in the spring and seek shelter as the weather cools off in the fall.
Then they will emerge in spring and take a stab at return to the outdoors.
Stink bugs lay their eggs outdoors in the spring.
They usually lay eggs on the undersides of leaves.
They generally do not lay eggs indoors.
Yes, several substances can kill stink bugs on contact.
Spraying a mixture of water and dish soap or insecticidal soap on stink bugs can effectively kill them.
Pyrethrin-based insecticides and rubbing alcohol solutions also kill stink bugs on contact.
Diatomaceous earth can damage their exoskeletons upon contact, which can kill them, too.
