Dealing with a stink bug infestation
The stink bug is an insect native to Asia that has recently established itself in North America. These slow-moving, docile bugs are unwelcome guests due to the stinky excretions they have developed as a defence mechanism. If you’re wondering how to get rid of stink bugs, the best way to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. When you do spot them inside, you can use simple tools, such as a bug vacuum, to deal with your pest problem.
Shop this article: Frost King Extra Brush Door Sweep, Feit Electric Yellow LED Lightbulb and BugZooka Bug Catcher Vacuum.
How to get rid of the stink bugs populating your home
Get rid of stink bugs outside
When it comes to how to kill stink bugs rather than deter them, there are pesticides specifically formulated for these insects. In combination with sealing entry points to your home, these products can be quite effective.
Block access
An important step in controlling stink bugs is to block their entry to your home. To do so, you will need to carefully inspect every possible entry point to your house, including doors, windows and pipes. Simple door sweeps effectively prevent stink bugs from going under your doors. Replace damaged or torn screens as well as caulking or weatherstripping that has developed gaps.
Eliminate sources of food
Stink bugs are powerfully motivated by hunger. You can remove a primary reason for their visit by keeping your kitchen squeaky clean. Simple air-tight food storage solutions, such as sealed bags and plastic containers, conceal smells that attract these bugs. Sweep often because mere crumbs are a feast for these little invaders.
Change your lighting or turn off the lights
Many insects, including stink bugs, are attracted to lights. Turning off outdoor lighting at night makes your home less attractive to these prowling insects. If darkness doesn’t suit you, switching your outdoor lighting to yellow or orange bulbs can also help.
Check for leaks
Bugs need water, and any dripping faucet or leaky pipe can appear to them as an oasis might to a desert wanderer. A variety of sensing devices can help you find leaks around the house.
Get rid of stink bugs inside
Even the most thoroughly bug-proofed home will suffer an occasional breach. For such a moment, there are handy gadgets that safely remove stink bugs without letting them release their defensive stench.
Best products for getting rid of stink bugs
Pesticides
Spectracide Bug Stop Home Barrier
This water-based pesticide won’t leave residue after application. It kills bugs on contact and can provide up to 12 months of protection.
This odorless stink bug spray can be used indoors and outdoors. It forms a barrier to curious bugs that can last for weeks.
Door sweeps
M-d Products Self-Adhesive Door Sweep
A simple and effective barrier to crawling creatures, this door sweep installs in minutes and efficiently blocks a favorite entry point.
Frost King Extra Brush Door Sweep
This sturdy model made of aluminum is best for blocking large gaps under doors. It is durable and features a premium brush that stops entry.
Food storage containers
Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Oven-Safe Container Set
You can establish order in your refrigerator while sealing off bug-attracting odors with these food containers. These glass containers are safe for use in the microwave and freezer.
Caulk
Silicone or silicone latex caulks are effective at deterring stink bugs by sealing off the windows and doors in your home. This silicone caulk is weatherproof and creates a durable seal within 12 hours.
Lighting
Feit Electric Yellow LED Lightbulb
You can keep your porch light on without attracting insects with this efficient bulb that lasts up to 10 times as long as an incandescent bulb.
Leak alarm
The Basement Watchdog Battery-Operated Water Alarm
You can use this device to monitor any area of the house for leaks. It can detect even small amounts of water, and a loud alarm alerts you if there is a problem.
Bug catchers
My Critter Catcher Spider and Insect Catcher
You can grab stink bugs, spiders and roaches from a safe distance with this simple, effective bug catcher.
If you aim the BugZooka at the interloper and press the button, it will be escorted abruptly from your kitchen in a rush of suction. This clever tool requires no batteries.
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