Now that it’s fall, it’s officially indoor stink bug season. Before it becomes winter, brown marmorated stink bugs are looking for comfortable overwintering sites to spend the cold months—and that can often mean that they may find a way to sneak into your house. While the odor that a stink bug releases is not dangerous, they are definitely a nuisance. Luckily, there are steps you can take to get rid of stink bugs in your house—without having to deal with the unpleasant smell.
Why you shouldn't squish stink bugs
It’s not uncommon that someone’s first reaction when they see a bug is to want to squish it—especially when that bug is in your house. But when it’s a stink bug, squishing it or greatly disturbing it could prompt it to release the foul odor it was named after. Here are a few quick facts to help you identify stink bugs so you know not to squish it when you see it:
- Stink bugs are roughly half an inch long, and a third of an inch wide.
- Stink bugs have a distinct, triangularly shaped back that is often compared to a shield.
- The invasive brown marmorated stink bug is usually entirely brown with some white stripes on the antennae and around the edge of its body while other stink bug species normally range in shades of green and brown.
What about using a vacuum?
While you can use a vacuum to gather stink bugs in your home, you may not want to, as the stink bug odor may still be released through the vacuum canister, or cause the whole vacuum to smell. In fact, some people may dedicate an entire vacuum to this task if they decide to do it. If you use a bagless vacuum, you still run the risk of the vacuum smelling even after you’ve gotten rid of the bugs. Dead stink bugs can leave a residue and an odor that is difficult to remove.
How to kill stink bugs without a vacuum
If you don’t want to dedicate a vacuum to stink bug removal, or don’t want to risk the smell escaping, there are other methods you can use to help get rid of stink bugs in your house. One option is to drown stink bugs in soapy water. You can do this by filling a straight-edged bucket with water and dish detergent, and carefully knocking the bugs into the bucket.
Additionally, you can very carefully sweep up stink bugs with a broom and a dustpan. You can also use a plastic bag to carefully gather the bugs and throw them out. If the temperature is near or below freezing outside, you can simply leave them outside because they will not be able to survive those temperatures. Whatever removal method you use, remember that quicker is better: The sooner you can get stink bugs out of your house, the more likely it is you’ll be able to avoid any unpleasant odors.
How to keep stink bugs out of your house
Many of the ways you can prevent stink bugs from finding their way into your home are the same steps to take to prevent other pests. So, by taking the proper precautionary steps to prevent stink bugs, you will be preventing other pests from getting in, as well.
- Seal cracks around attics, windows, and door frames
- Use door sweeps
- Inspect window screens for rips and repair the rips
- If your windows have a window pane and screen option, use the screens in the summer to reduce pests when windows are open
Contact a professional to help get rid of stink bugs
If you’re dealing with stink bugs in your home, the best option is to contact a professional for the proper treatment.