How to Keep Stink Bugs Out of Your Home This Fall

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September 23, 2024

With fall’s arrival, you might notice a new problem creeping into your home: stink bugs. As temperatures drop, these pests seek warmth, and without the right stink bug control strategies, they’ll turn your peaceful fall into a stinky season. 

Knowing why stink bugs are more active in the fall, what draws them in, and how to keep them out can help you fully enjoy the season.

 

What are Stink Bugs? 

Stink bugs are small, shield-shaped insects that get their name from the unpleasant odor they release when threatened or crushed. 

They’re usually brown or green and mostly stay outside, but in the fall, they start coming indoors to stay warm. 

In Washington, they can become a huge nuisance, especially with the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). As the weather cools, they sneak into homes through cracks and windows. 

While they don’t damage your house, they can gather in large numbers and stink up the place. They also cause trouble for farmers by harming crops like apples and pears, making fall the peak season for stink bugs in the area.

Do Stink Bugs Bite?

No, stink bugs don’t bite humans. They don’t have the ability to sting or cause harm through biting. However, they can be a nuisance because of the foul odor they release when they feel threatened or are squished. 

While they aren’t dangerous, having a lot of them in your home can be unpleasant due to the smell.

What Attracts Stink Bugs to my House?

Stink bugs come to your house in the fall because they’re looking for warmth and a place to hide. They’re also drawn to lights, so bright outdoor lights or big sunny windows can attract them. 

Food sources like fruits, veggies, or plants inside or outside your home can make it more appealing, too. They sneak in through cracks or gaps around windows and doors, trying to find a warm spot to stay for the winter.

DIY Tips to Get Rid of Stink Bugs & Keep Them Away

Is it okay to kill stink bugs? You can, but it’s not a good idea to squish stink bugs because they’ll give off a bad smell when you do. 

Here’s 5 ways to get rid of your stink bug problems and stop them from invading your house: 

Seal entry points.

  • The best way to stop stink bugs is to keep them from getting inside in the first place. 
  • Check for gaps around your windows, doors, and any spots where wires or pipes enter your home. 
  • Use weather stripping, caulk, or foam sealant to block these gaps and keep stink bugs out.

Use DIY repellents.

  • You can use natural repellents to keep stink bugs away. 
  • Mix water with essential oils like mint, catnip, or citrus, or even use garlic or hot pepper solutions. 
  • Spray these mixtures around windows, doors, and other areas where stink bugs might enter.

Vacuum them up.

  • If stink bugs are already in your home, the easiest way to get rid of them is to vacuum them up. This way, you avoid the bad smell that happens when they’re crushed.
  • Make sure to empty the vacuum bag right after to keep the odor out of your vacuum.
  • If you catch stink bugs alive, you can put them in a sealable plastic bag and place it in the freezer for two days to kill them.
  • Don’t flush them down the toilet to save water and avoid throwing live bugs in the trash to prevent them from spreading near landfills.

Use diatomaceous earth.

  • Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the outside of your home and near entry points. 
  • It’s safe for people and pets but deadly for stink bugs. It dries them out, and they die after walking through it.

Trap them.

  • You can make a simple trap with a light, some soapy water, and a dark room. Set up a light to shine on a pan of soapy water at night. 
  • The stink bugs will be attracted to the light, fall into the water, and drown. This works great in attics or basements.

Other tips to keep them away.

  • Stink bugs are attracted to light, so turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night or switch to yellow bulbs, which are less appealing to bugs.
  • Remove fallen fruit, dead plants, or piles of leaves, as these can attract stink bugs to your property.
  • Add screens to windows and vents to block stink bugs from sneaking inside.
  • Make sure your attic and basement are well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can attract stink bugs.

What Kills Stink Bugs Instantly?

Stink bug sprays and insecticides will kill those pesky stink bugs in your home instantly. If you want to use chemicals, pick one that’s labeled for stink bugs and contains ingredients like bifenthrin or permethrin. 

Spray around common entry points like doors, windows, and any cracks or gaps outside your home. For indoor use, apply lightly to areas where stink bugs tend to gather, like window sills and baseboards, but avoid over-spraying.

If you’re spraying outdoors, focus on walls, windows, and the foundation where stink bugs rest. Reapply after heavy rain or every few weeks during the fall when they’re most active. 

Make sure to ventilate your home if using the spray indoors to avoid any strong fumes. Also, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully, especially when it comes to safety. 

Got Stink Bug Problems at Home?

For stink control in Washington, we have professionals on staff at Sunrise Pest & Turf Management, ready to help you. We understand the local stink bug problems and offer eco-friendly treatments that are safe for your family and pets. 

Our services include getting rid of stink bugs and preventing them from coming back. Our certified technicians, flexible scheduling, no contract commitments, and All Pest Protection program make stink bug control easy for you. 

Contact us Washington’s best pest control and turf care company to get a no-obligation quote today. We serve customers in and around Bremerton, Port Angeles, Bellevue, Aberdeen, Burien, and the greater Washington area.Â