Effective Ways to Get Rid of Stink Bugs: A Guide for Homeowners

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs.

While pumpkin spice and apple pie are back in full force, you may have noticed another, much less pleasant smell around your home. If you think the smell is emanating from a tiny brown bug, you’re probably right. Because Massachusetts has seen an unseasonably warm early fall, Stink Bugs are enjoying the weather while they still can.

An invasive species from Asia that hit the U.S. in 1996, stink bugs get their appropriate nickname from the odor they secrete when disturbed or crushed. They become active in early spring, feeding off of leaves, stems and fruit. During the spring and summer months, stink bugs like to congregate on the sunny side of buildings to get warm. Once the temperature drops, they look for shelter, which can unfortunately mean the inside of your home. Although stink bugs are relatively harmless and don’t bite or sting, they (and their smell) can be hard to deal with.  

While pest professionals can spray for stink bugs, this usually doesn’t guarantee that you won’t see another one. With the weather fluctuating between warm and cool, stink bugs can resurge even after your house has been sprayed.

If you’ve seen stink bugs in and around your house, don’t worry. We’ve got some ways to keep these little guys from stinking up your season (other than covering up the smell with your fall-scented candles):

To prevent stink bugs from entering your home:

• Caulk and seal any cracks in your house that the bugs could possible enter. Check windows and doors, siding, pipes, chimneys, and loose mortar.
• Repair or replace any broken screens on windows or doors. Stink bugs can be attracted to the light coming from your home at night, so these are ideal spots for them to enter.

To remove stink bugs from your home:

• Vacuum stink bugs and dispose of the vacuum bag as appropriate.
• Sweep with a broom and dustpan, and flush the bugs down the toilet.
• Purchase a trap from a home or garden supply store.
• Make a DIY trap! You’ll need a straight-sided container (like an aluminum pan), water and dish soap, and a light (like a desk lamp) to attract the bugs. Mix the water and soap inside the pan, and shine the light onto the surface. The light will attract the bugs and they’ll become trapped underneath the water.

Of course, if you want some help from a professional, please feel free to give us a call.