How to Exterminate Stink Bugs in the House: 5 Methods to Try
Stick it to those stink bugs once and for all
Stink bugs can be a nuisance, punishing those who crush them with their pungent, repulsive scent. What’s worse, where there’s one, there’s almost always more.
Luckily, learning how to exterminate stink bugs from your house is possible, thanks to a few DIY methods. This guide covers how to exterminate stink bugs in the house without the assault on your nostrils, and how to keep them from coming back.
Why Do I Have Stink Bugs in My Home?
While it can seem like they spawn out of nowhere, the great outdoors is where stink bugs come from—they don’t breed indoors. Stink bugs sneak indoors when they need a warm place to spend the winter. They’re attracted to light and warmth, so you’ll often find them near sunny windows, attics, or light fixtures.
These pests enter through small cracks in windows, doors, siding, and even chimneys. While they don’t bite or spread disease, they release a foul-smelling odor when squished, making them annoying to tackle the old-fashioned way.
How Much Does It Cost to Exterminate Stink Bugs?
The cost of pest control services for a stink bug infestation falls between $100 and $300. However, prices can fluctuate based on the severity of the problem and the type of treatment method. Get in touch with a local exterminator for a custom quote that fits your unique situation.
How to Exterminate Stink Bugs
1. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth along door thresholds, window sills, and in crawl spaces. The fine powder damages the stink bug’s outer shell, causing it to dehydrate and die. It's safe for people and pets when used as directed.
2. Create a Trap With Soapy Water
Fill a shallow pan or bowl with water and add a few drops of dish soap, then place the bowl in a sunny spot or near a light source where stink bugs gather. The bugs will be attracted to the light, fall into the water, and drown. Dispose of the water and repeat as needed.
3. Vacuum Them Up
Use a vacuum with a bag to suck up stink bugs (avoid bagless vacuums). Immediately dispose of the bag in an outdoor trash bin to ensure the bugs don’t crawl back out into your home. Clean the vacuum canister or hose thoroughly with a vinegar solution afterward.
4. Catch Them With a Sticky Object
To nab individual bugs without releasing their awful aroma in your home, try trapping them with something sticky. For example, you can attach a ball of sticky tape to a telescoping duster pole and use it to trap out-of-reach bugs before bringing them outside to meet their end. You can also try hanging fly paper near points of potential entry.
5. Hire a Professional Exterminator
If nothing you’ve tried successfully keeps the stink bugs at bay, then it’s the right time to hire a professional exterminator. If you don’t already have a trusted pro you work with, contact at least three pest control services for quotes to find the best deal and ensure they specialize in stink bug eradication.
How to Prevent Stink Bugs From Coming Back
Once you’ve finally seen the last of these smelly, annoying insects, consider these tips to keep them from infiltrating your home in the future.
1. Clear Out Clutter in Hiding Spots
Stink bugs love to hide in quiet, cluttered areas like attics, basements, and garages. Declutter regularly and keep your home clean to avoid creating their favorite type of hideout. If you find infested items, the simplest fix is to throw them out and take the bugs with them.
2. Seal Up Cracks and Gaps
Stink bugs sneak in through the smallest openings, especially around windows and doors. Inspect these areas and reseal them with caulk or fresh weather stripping as needed. Since these bugs are drawn to light, try minimizing exterior lighting at night and use curtains or blinds to keep interior lights from shining during the night.
3. Keep Your Yard Maintained
Unkempt yards can easily become havens for stink bugs. Trim overgrown shrubs, rake up fallen leaves, and mow the lawn regularly to remove potential hiding spots. Regular outdoor maintenance creates a less inviting environment for these sneaky invaders.
4. Use Natural Repellents
Consider placing dryer sheets around potential points of entry, or spritzing the area down with garlic spray, or essential oils like mint or neem oil. These natural scents can deter stink bugs without the use of harmful chemicals. However, note that they are toxic to pets, so be sure to keep them out of reach of your furry family members.
Stink bugs hate strong, fragrant scents like clove, lemongrass, spearmint, and Ylang Ylang, so you can use essential oils as a natural deterrent. (Always keep them out of reach of your pets!) In the garden, plants like lavender, garlic, and catnip can ward off stink bugs thanks to their pungent aroma. Also, avoid decorating with white, as stink bugs are oddly attracted to it.
Stink bugs don't build nests, but they do like to hang around out of sight. They typically hide in cracks, crevices, and tight spaces within buildings, especially during the colder months. They are often found in attics, crawl spaces, and along walls or ceilings. To find them, give these areas a detailed inspection, particularly around windows, doors, and vents.
The average lifespan of a stink bug is about six to eight months, depending on species and environmental conditions. Their life cycle includes three stages: Egg, nymph, and adult. Eggs hatch in roughly five days to two weeks, followed by a four to six-week nymph stage where they grow and molt. Once fully matured, adult stink bugs focus on reproduction and can fly to new areas, often seeking refuge in homes in search of warmth.
If you’re wondering whether pest control services are safe, rest assured that they are very safe if you hire a reputable company. These pros will come out and assess your stink bug problem, as well as your specific treatment needs (such as kid-safe or pet-safe solutions). Always check online reviews and reputable sites like Angi to find a vetted pro that will help you safely deal with these stinky intruders for good.
Many policyholders wonder if home warranties will cover pest control services. Unfortunately, for most basic plans, they don’t. However, some companies offer premium plans and add-ons that can cover pest control, but even these will often come with limitations. It's crucial to review the specific details of your home warranty policy to determine if pest control is covered and to understand any limitations, such as maximum payout amounts or specific pest exclusions.
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