Region: Found in the eastern half of the U.S., as well as California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas
Stink bugs can be a major nuisance when they invade your home. These smelly insects enter houses and buildings looking for warmth and shelter, especially during cooler months. Left unchecked, stink bugs can multiply and spread to create a significant infestation.
What Are Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects that emit a foul odor when disturbed or crushed. There are many species, but the brown marmorated stink bug is one of the most common household invaders in the United States.
Native to Asia, these bugs were accidentally introduced in Pennsylvania in the late 1990s. They have since spread to over 40 states, becoming a major agricultural pest along the way
Stink bugs feed on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. While not directly dangerous to humans, they can damage crops and become a real nuisance around homes.
Signs of a Stink Bug Infestation
How do you know if you have a stink bug problem? There are a few key signs to look out for
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Seeing Live Bugs Indoors: Catching multiple live stink bugs crawling on walls, gathering on windows, or flying around rooms is a clear sign of an infestation. These pests gain entry through small cracks and crevices.
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Finding Dead Bugs Squished stink bugs or stink bug carcasses also indicate an existing infestation. The stench from dead bugs can also draw more live ones.
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Damage to Houseplants or Produce: Chewed up leaves, pits, and rotten spots on fruits and vegetables may be evidence of stink bug feeding. Check houseplants and kitchen produce carefully.
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Bad Smells: The telltale skunky odor is a sign stink bugs are present, whether alive or dead. Crushed bugs release these foul smells.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
If you spot stink bugs in your home, act quickly to get rid of them before they multiply. Here are some effective methods:
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Use a Vacuum: A powerful vacuum with a tight seal is one of the best tools for sucking up and containing live stink bugs. Just make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after.
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Remove by Hand: You can simply pick up live stink bugs and drop them into a jar of soapy water to kill them. Just be prepared for them to emit their smelly odor in self-defense!
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Soap and Water: Make a simple spray with equal parts water and liquid dish soap. Spray stink bugs directly to kill them and also deter additional ones from entering.
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Seal Entry Points: Caulk and seal cracks around windows, doors, and openings in the foundation where bugs can sneak in. Install tight screens on vents and windows.
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Use Traps and Repellents: Stink bug traps, diatomaceous earth, and sprays made with essential oils like mint, lemongrass, and garlic can help block these pests.
Preventing Stink Bug Infestations
Stopping stink bugs before they ever come inside is ideal. Here are some tips:
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Seal any exterior cracks wider than 1/8 inch with caulk or sealant, especially around windows and doors.
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Check window and door screens for holes and gaps and patch or replace damaged screens.
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Vacuum and clean thoroughly inside to remove dirt and debris stink bugs are attracted to.
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Install door sweeps or weather stripping under exterior doors to block entry.
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Prune back trees and shrubs near the home that provide hiding spots for stink bugs.
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Turn off exterior lights at night that can draw stink bugs to the home.
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In the fall, bring houseplants indoors and harvest vegetable gardens to eliminate outdoor food sources.
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Use insecticides and baits sparingly, as they can repel stink bugs toward your home!
When to Call an Exterminator for Stink Bugs
If you have a major infestation, significant crop damage, or keep finding stink bugs after trying to eliminate them yourself, it may be time to bring in a professional pest control company. Experts have commercial-grade vacuums and insecticides to fully clear stubborn stink bug populations. Just be sure to ask about pet-safe and environmentally-responsible treatment methods.
While stink bugs can be frustrating, taking proactive steps can help you avoid and resolve household infestations before they get out of hand. With some diligence, you can kick these smelly pests to the curb!
What do stink bugs eat?
Stink bugs are not only serious agricultural pests of soybeans and corn but also many fruit and vegetables such as apples, apricots, pears, cherries, grapes, lima beans, peaches, peppers and tomatoes.
They are also known to feed on ornamental plants that grow close to homes and other buildings.
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FAQ
Why do I suddenly have so many stink bugs?
Entry Points: They can easily enter through small cracks, gaps around windows and doors, and other openings. If your home has these vulnerabilities, it can attract more stink bugs. Attraction to Light: Stink bugs are drawn to light, so if you have outdoor lights on at night, they may be lured inside.
How do you fix a stink bug infestation?
Spraying a mixture of water and dish soap or insecticidal soap on stink bugs can effectively kill them. Pyrethrin-based insecticides and rubbing alcohol solutions also kill stink bugs on contact. Diatomaceous earth can damage their exoskeletons upon contact, which can kill them, too.
What is the biggest problem resulting from stink bugs?
These stink bugs will consume any crop. Sweet corn, eggplant, peppers and tomatoes are a few of their favorite foods. They also prey on ornamental trees like redbuds and field crops like soybeans. Their feeding discolors crops, turns their insides corky, and—most importantly—makes them inedible.
What does it mean if you keep finding stink bugs in your house?
Like humans, most pests do not want to spend time outdoors in cold weather. Stink bugs are attracted to warmth and shelter and take advantage of cracks and crevices to gain entry to your home for your shelter and warmth. Another thing that attracts stink bugs in your house is an abundance of light.