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As their name suggests, stink bugs have an unpleasant odor.
These pests, however, can go unnoticed in your home: “Many go unnoticed until they accumulate in large numbers for an overwintering period, such as the brown marmorated stink bug, or when the summer heat dries out their food, such as the red and black bagrada bug.” “Dr. says Tracey Ellis, PhD, entomologist at PharmSense. She also notes that the species can be seen congregating in large groups on warm walls facing south or in the shade near water.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably itching to get rid of them. Vacuuming stink bugs is a method that Scott Hodges, vice president of business development and technical services at Aero Exterminators in Atlanta, likes to use to get rid of them because it prevents them from squashing and emitting their stench.
“To prevent them from entering your home, make sure you and your property are secure before entering, and repair any gaps or fractures in screens on doors and windows,” he adds. Turning off outside lights will help discourage them from congregating near your home. “Finally, use your sense of smell to eliminate odors! Diffuse essential oils near the entrance and place a powerful dryer sheet over the exterior screen deter them from coming inside,” he adds.
Ellis warns that some stink bugs, such as green leafy stink bugs, can be a nuisance to crops, so if you see unusual pearly eggs on the underside of garden produce leaves, you should remove them from your garden. “Otherwise, screening your home and keeping door seals tight will go a long way toward keeping stink bugs out,” she adds. (More on getting rid of bad odors in your home later.)
On the bright side, stink bugs can’t bite. But anyone who has ever stepped on or smushed a stink bug can attest to how horrible the odor really is. So, how do you get rid of stink bugs, and what even are they?
What are stink bugs?
First, why are stink bugs so stinky? Board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). According to Jim Frederick, “Stink bugs produce a foul-smelling chemical in a gland on their abdomen, and some species can actually spray the chemical. Several inches.” Fredericks Today says: The aroma is frequently compared to strong spices and herbs such as coriander and coriander.
Like other pests, stink bugs release a scent to attract additional individuals, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible, according to Hodges. (Hodges observes that the pungent, coriander-like scent they emit when they are attacked, threatened, or crushed is caused by another pheromone called aggregation pheromone.)
According to Fredricks, apart from their primary defense against predators, stink bugs are generally silent. They do not sting and the way their lips are made prevents them from biting into human flesh. Little success.
That being said, it smells more than just their awful smell. They can be a serious problem for other crops as well as apples and peaches. According to Fredricks, they’ll attack anything from attractive plants to weeds (yikes, another small win!) using their drinking straw-like mouthparts to suck fluids from leaves, stems, and plant roots.
What attracts stink bugs?
Stink bugs, like many other insects, usually appear in late summer and early fall, when they are looking for a place to stay warm during the winter. Although they can also be seen on the West Coast, the eastern region of the United States is where they are most likely to appear first. They are attracted to light regardless of where you live.
How to get rid of stink bugs
Do not — we repeat, do not — try to squish away a stink bug. Instead, try one of these methods to eliminate stink bugs in your home.
Vacuum them right up
According to Fredricks, the smell of stink bugs can linger for hours. As a protective mechanism, vacuuming offers a quick and easy approach to getting rid of them without having to worry about their immediate stench. Just remember to throw away the trash bags and clean up after you’re done, otherwise your storage space may smell horrible.
Deter them with garlic or mint
Like us, stink bugs are very picky about smells. You can take advantage of this by using common pantry items like garlic and mint. In a spray bottle, combine 2 cups of water with 4 tbsp. Garlic powder or peppermint oil. To prevent stink bugs from feasting on your plants, wash them with a solution. While this approach may not completely solve your problem, it will eventually protect your plants.
How to keep stink bugs away
So, when they’re gone, how can you keep stink bugs from coming back? “Cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes and other openings” should be sealed, according to Fredricks. Examples of common entry points are door and window frames, electrical outlets, light switches, ceiling fans, skylights, and ceiling light fixtures. “Use a high-quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk,” he adds. In addition to replacing damaged curtains, you should switch off exterior lights for sodium vapor or low-visibility yellow bulbs.
According to Fredricks, in case of a stink bug infestation, it’s best to contact an expert. They are able to assess the extent of the attack and detect and block any potential access points you may have overlooked.
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