The stink bug is approximately 2cm long and roughly the same width. It has a shield-shaped body that makes it distinctive and easy to spot. In general, these pests are dark brown, although you can also get them in green, light brown, copper, and even black.
Although they do not carry any diseases that can harm humans, they are a risk to crops. They are considered a season-long pest in many countries across the world as they feed on plants. In fact, estimates suggest the Eastern United States lost $37 million in apple costs during 2010 from these pests.
They may not carry diseases or bite you, but they will seek to stay in your house and, if they are disturbed or feel threatened, they will releases a noxious odor. It won’t be pleasant in your house for a short while!
The Sign Of A Stink Bug Invasion
If you suspect you have an issue with stink bugs, you need to click here and get some professional help. This will help to alleviate the issue as the professionals have the best possible equipment to resolve the issue.
Stink bugs generally enter your house at the end of the summer and during the fall. This is when the temperatures are starting to drop, and they are looking for a nice place to spend the winter.
They will often congregate on the exterior walls of your home in sunlight. Inside your home, you’ll notice the foul odor and may see the odd bug. In general, they hide in small gaps and cracks and stay where they are for the winter. In the spring, they’ll emerge and head back into the garden.
Be warned, as well as releasing the noxious odor when they feel threatened, and the odor is automatically released if you crush them. Tread carefully when eliminating this issue.
Here are five products that can help you control stink bugs in your home:
Sealant
Potentially the biggest thing you can do is to stop these pests from getting into your home in the first place. They are small and can find their way through almost any gap. This means you need to visually inspect your home for any cracks, gaps, and other signs of damage and holes that will allow a stink bug to gain access.
Once you find these cracks and gaps, you should seal them up immediately. There are a variety of sealants available that can be simply applied to the cracks, blocking them permanently. It does not just stink bugs that can get through them, and you’re probably not running an insect hotel!
Stink Bug Killer Aerosol Spray
There are a variety of products on the market that can kill stink bugs simply by spraying them. Using a spray is more effective than crushing these pests because the stink bugs will not realize their foul odor when being killed.
The best killer sprays are fast-acting and effective. You should check the reviews to ensure you’re getting a good-quality spray.
Whatever your approach to controlling stink bugs, this product should be considered essential as it can be used whenever you see them and will be very effective. After all, no matter how hard you try, the odd bug can come through an open window or door and start to give you issues. Having an effective spray will help to eradicate the issue.
Disinfectant Spray
The cleaner your home is, the less likely that it will be attractive to stink bugs. A standard disinfectant spray can be used to clean surfaces and walls. This will kill any bugs that are already hiding in your home and make the surface uninviting to others.
In fact, it is also a useful tool in the fight against COVID-19.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally-occurring compound that dates back to prehistoric times and is very effective against a wide array of insects and other pests. It is full of tiny sharp fossils that penetrate the exoskeleton of the stink bug. This results in the bugs dehydrating and dying in a very short space of time.
Simply sprinkle a little of this earth in key places around your home, it won’t just stop the stink bugs from getting in, it will prevent virtually all bugs.
The fact that this dehydrates bugs is particularly relevant as Stink bugs, like any other insect, need moisture to survive.
Alongside using Diatomaceous Earth take a look around your home for any potential water leaks and fix them if you find them. Don’t forget that leaks can be hard to spot. It’s a good idea to shut off all water-based appliances and take a water meter reading.
After an hour, or two, of not using water, you can check the meter reading again. If the reading has changed, you have a leak, and you’re going to have to trace it. A leak will create a moisture which will make your house more appealing to stink bugs and other pests.
Peppermint Essential Oil
A few drops of essential oil, especially mint, peppermint, or citrus, in 100ml of water, will create a spray that can be administered to all the doors and windows in your home. This oil will counteract the odor from the stink bugs, and it deters the bugs from setting up home in your home.
Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of oils, then try planting garlic, simply crush a few cloves and let them marinate in some water for 24 hours. Then spray the liquid around the entry points in your home.
Final Thoughts
Neem oil is another viable option, as is using flypaper by entries and exit points. In fact, the list of ways to deal with stink bugs is practically endless. All you have to do is be prepared for a little trial and error and find out moreabout your local stink bug experts today.
But, whatever approach you adopt, remember that sealing gaps and cracks is essential to preventing access, which makes it much easier to control the stink bugs in your home.
FAQ:
Q: What is the best insecticide for stink bugs?
A: Electronic Bug Killer. The manufacturer claims that the bug zapper kills stink bugs as well. … Stink Bug Trap RESCUE! SBTR. … Stink Bug Spray TERRO T3501-6. This spray kills stink bugs on contact in two ways: as a wide spray or when directed straight into crevices where the pests are hiding. 96 oz 7.9% Bifenthrin Multi Use Pest Control Insecticide. …
Q: Does Peppermint get rid of stink bugs?
A: You can spray the substance directly on the bug. As you can see, there are many ways to rid the home of this pest, and using peppermint is one of them. No matter what DIY remedy you decide to use, the best route to remove them from home once killed is with a vacuum cleaner dead or alive. You can suck the bugs up and clean the bag outside.
Q: What attracts stinkbugs to the indoors?
A: Stink bugs are attracted to the warmth and shelter of your house, and will enter through any cracks and openings. You should seal openings with caulk to keep them out, and don’t forget to check screens on windows and doors for holes as well! Light also attracts stink bugs to your house.
Q: How to get rid of stink bugs in your home?
A: – Place traps on windowsills to catch stink bugs as they try to enter your home. – Be sure to keep sticky traps out of reach of pets and children. – Avoid putting sticky traps outside, where they might trap small animals or beneficial pollinators like bees.