We research in-depth and provide unbiased reviews and recommendations on the best products. We strive to give you the most accurate information. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of stink bugs in your home, you’re not alone. Stink bugs can be a major nuisance and can clog your vacuum. Not only do they stink, but they also make your vacuum smell, so a homemade trap may be your best bet. If a homemade trap doesn’t work, try freezing them. These natural remedies can work to eliminate stink bugs from your home.
Natural remedies to get rid of stink bugs
Often, people use plant-based insecticides to kill stink bugs. Although they can take a few days to begin working, these pesticides can disrupt insects’ instinctual behaviors and make them less likely to return. For indoor use, peppermint oil, mixed with water, can be applied to entryways and other places where the bugs congregate. Peppermint oil is so strong that you should use it only in designated areas of the house, such as the kitchen, as it can be too much for your abode.
Stink bugs can be difficult to get rid of, because their pheromones are highly effective in attracting other insects. Stink bugs can be a major problem in residential areas, where they can wreak havoc on crops and invade homes. However, there are natural remedies that can be effective in killing these pesky bugs while being gentle on plants. Stink bugs first appeared in the southern states of the U.S. in 1998. Since then, they have spread across the country, where they swarm inside walls.
Plants containing kaolin clay can help prevent stink bug eggs from hatching. These plants also attract parasitic wasps, which feed on the developing stink bug. Although these pests are very small, they pose no threat to humans, they are a big source of food for birds and other beneficial insects. As such, plant a sacrificial trap plant, such as lemon tree leaves. Another option is to apply a natural insect repellent. Essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, thyme, and peppermint can help repel stink bugs.
Another solution for getting rid of stink bugs is to soak shredded cigarettes in hot water. About twenty cigarettes worth of tobacco can be mixed into a gallon of water. The next morning, strain the soaked tobacco solution and use it to spray the area where the bugs are living. The solution kills the bugs within a short period of time and does not cause much damage to your home. Once dry, the resulting solution will dry up without any mess.
Neem oil
If you want to try a natural insecticide without the risk of harming beneficial insects, consider neem oil. A simple spray of this organic plant can be effective against stink bugs, including the most annoying types, as well as many other pests. To make your own spray, simply mix three teaspoons of neem oil with one teaspoon of unscented castile soap. It’s best to spray this solution in the morning or late at night when the beneficial insects are most active, as spraying during these times will give them time to get to work. Neem oil will not harm bees, ladybugs, and lacewings.
Neem oil can also be sprayed on windowsills and entry points, such as foundations and walls. It will not kill the bugs right away, but will reduce their population over time. To use neem oil, combine two tablespoons of it with four cups of water. Spray the solution on the leaves, windowsills, and other places where stink bugs love to hang out.
To use neem oil to get rid of stink bugs, simply apply it on the infected area with a spray bottle. Its odor deters the insects, which will eventually go away. This solution is effective against brown stink bugs, gnats, and mosquitoes. It also attracts light at night. You can use the solution indoors or outdoors, depending on the area.
Another organic product is neem oil, which works against a wide range of pests. Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree. It is a plant-based pesticide that takes about a week to work. Neem oil is an excellent organic insecticide, and can be applied to walls, windowsills, and other surfaces in the home. It is also considered safe for kids and pets.
Diatomaceous earth
Insects can be extremely difficult to eradicate, but a simple solution is to use Diatomaceous Earth. This dust-like powder is made up of crushed fossilized algae and has been known to kill a variety of insects. As it’s organic, it doesn’t build up a toleration response, so you can use it indoors. As long as you sprinkle the diatomaceous earth on an area regularly, it should work.
Another effective way to eliminate stink bugs is by using Diatomaceous Earth, which is made of crushed algae fossils. This natural pesticide kills these insects and can be applied around entry ways and in areas where they commonly live. You can also sprinkle the diatomaceous earth directly on the bugs to make them less likely to stick around. It works best when it’s completely dry, so make sure to repeat the application if there’s rain in the area.
Diatomaceous earth is available as a dust, but it can also be found as a wettable powder or pressurized liquid. Over 150 different brands of diatomaceous earth are registered for use on both indoor and outdoor surfaces, including pets. They’re also safe for people and pets, so you don’t have to worry about your children or pets ingesting them.
As diatomaceous earth is almost nontoxic to humans, it’s safe for pets and wildlife. Studies conducted in mice showed that it didn’t affect the animals’ immune system. However, a small amount of it is found in pesticides. It’s important to know that this product is amorphous (like clay) form of silica and doesn’t contain any crystalline substance.
Neem
The nymphs and adults of the stink bug feed on plant sap. A simple application of clarified neem oil will cause the insects to starve and stop growing, as well as prevent them from laying eggs. This method should be applied at dusk or dawn. While this method may not be effective for heavy infestations, it is safe for garden plants and will not harm the beneficial insects.
The oil from Neem seeds is a concentrated solution that must be mixed with water manually. The chemical compound Azadirachtin in neem seeds is EPA-approved and effective against stink bugs. If you’d like to make this solution at home, try Neem Bliss 100% Pure Cold Pressed Neem Seed Oil, which contains Azadirachtin and is safe for the environment.
Another solution is to mix four teaspoons of garlic powder with two cups of water. Spray this mixture on windows, doors, and plant leaves. Make sure to cover dark areas in the home, such as cracks and crevices. Alternatively, you can spread the garlic cloves in areas where stink bugs hide. If these methods don’t work, you can try neem oil on the stink bugs to repel them.
Another natural solution is to use kaolin clay. This product works by attaching to the body of pests. This product is sold under the brand name Surround WP Crop Protectant. Kaolin clay coats leaves with a thin layer of film, causing them to flee. Kaolin clay also enhances photosynthesis and promotes healthy plant growth. Soapy water is a good natural insecticide to use on stink bugs.
Avoid touching or squashing stink bugs
Stink bugs are insects in the Pentatomidae family. While they do not bite people, they do have a foul odor. Adults are about 5/8 inches long and almost as wide. They have shield-shaped bodies on stick legs. Though they can fly, they are very slow crawlers. This makes them easier to kill, but you should still avoid touching or squashing them to get rid of them.
If you come across a stink bug, the first reaction you might have is to try to squash or smash it. Unfortunately, this will only cause the bug to exude a foul odor and leave a lingering odor on your shoes. Fortunately, there are some natural ways to get rid of stink bugs. Plants with strong smells are great repellents. Garlic, catnip, lavender, and thyme are all good options. Using chrysanthemum will also attract a stink bug’s enemy, preventing you from having to kill them.
Keep a distance from stink bugs and their eggs. The BMSB can be a nuisance, but it will not harm you. Try not to touch them or squash them. Then, try rubbing them with a rag or a towel. You can also try rubbing the area with a wet sponge. Using a soft cloth is also a good option for getting rid of stink bugs.
While they are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance for your plants and trees. Stink bugs aren’t dangerous to humans but they can be difficult to get rid of. If you do manage to catch some, they’ll often cluster in certain parts of your home or garden. The south and west sides of buildings get the most sunlight, so the bugs will naturally gravitate to those areas. Eventually, they’ll work their way inside and hibernate inside your home.
