If you’ve noticed shield-shaped insects crawling along your windows or walls, you’ve probably met the stink bug.
Is it shocking to find one crawling on your shoulder? Sure. Are they dangerous? Not at all. If nothing else, they're frustrating to deal with once they make themselves at home (in your home).
Understanding why they appear, how to remove them, and what you can do to stop them from coming back makes the problem much easier to handle.
Why Are Stink Bugs in My House?
Most people notice them when temperatures start to drop.
"Stink bugs are active from spring through fall, though they become a significant nuisance to people during the later months of the year," shared Emma Grace Crumbley, an Entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus.
"In the spring and summer, they're are busy feeding on plants and finding mates. These bugs are found outside in gardens, orchards, lawns, and other green spaces where they have ample food and harborage areas. Once the weather gets colder, though, stink bugs will search for sheltered, warm areas to infest."
She goes on to explain that they can’t regulate their body temperature. "Stink bugs, and insects in general, are cold-blooded and cannot thermoregulate the same way other animals can. That means that instead of using their metabolism to warm themselves up, insects have to physically move themselves to escape unfavorable temperatures… and unfortunately, this means they end up moving into structures like our homes."
The invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) is especially known for this behavior. "[It'll] infest homes more aggressively and are often seen in small groups,” agrees Crumbley.
Common Entry Points
Stink bugs enter through small openings around your home... and like with any infestation, it's often through spots you wouldn’t think twice about.
Inspect your house carefully, especially around:
- Window screens and window seals
- Air vents, chimneys, and light sources
- Door frames and siding
- Cracks and crevices in foundations or around utility lines
"Addressing these areas with weather strip, caulk, and replacement screens can significantly reduce the number of stink bugs homeowners will find in their homes," notes Crumbley. Sealing cracks and improving insulation not only blocks stink bugs but also helps with overall pest control.
How to Remove Stink Bugs
Removing stink bugs takes time. You might think you have them all, only to find more (and more, and more) emerge from their hiding spots over the next few months.
You might notice a chemical odor if you crush the insect when capturing it, but if you don't squash them, they aren't smelly. Try these alternatives:
- Use a vacuum cleaner. A cordless handheld vacuum is ideal for this job. Use a detail tip to target the victims. Empty it outside once you've trapped them.
- Soapy water trap: Fill a foil roasting pan or bucket with warm water and add a few drops of liquid detergent. Place it under a light source at night. The light attracts stink bugs, and the soapy water kills them.
- Fly tape or light traps: Put these near windows where bugs gather.
- Some homeowners also dust food-grade diatomaceous earth along baseboards and entry points. It damages the bugs’ exoskeletons and can be effective over time. If you think you know where they're entering, put some of this at the source.
Natural Repellents and Prevention Tips
To discourage stink bugs from entering in the first place, focus on scents they dislike. "While there isn't a method that homeowners can use to ‘lure’ these pests away from their home, significant research has shown that certain natural herbs, such as mint and clove, effectively repel stink bugs," notes Crumbley.
“Diluting these oils in water can create a fine spray that can be applied to areas where stink bugs are likely to interact, such as windows, doors, and screens.”
Here are more natural repellents to try:
- Essential oils like clove, peppermint, or eucalyptus.
- Garlic spray: Mix garlic powder or crushed cloves with water and spray around window screens, doors, and other entry points. (You can buy it pre-mixed, too)
- Dryer sheets: Wipe them on windowsills to leave behind a smell stink bugs dislike.
You can also combine these steps with broader pest control advice: trim outdoor vegetation near the house, keep fruit trees away from siding, and clear leaf piles that attract overwintering pests.
Outdoor Management
Keeping them out starts outside. Check for ornamental plants that may attract them, such as cherry laurel or Oakland Holly, and consider replacing them with less appealing species.
Avoid planting bamboo, which often shelters these insects.
Remove debris and weeds near your foundation to eliminate hiding spots.
For severe infestations, some homeowners apply Pyrethrin-based insecticides or seek advice on integrated pest management from their local cooperative extension office.
FAQ
Do stink bugs bite or cause harm?
No. Stink bugs don’t bite, sting, or carry disease. Their biggest problem is the chemical odor they release from special glands on their bodies when disturbed... and the fact that they seem ever-present in some homes.
What are stink bug traps, and do they work?
Store-bought traps or DIY light traps can reduce indoor populations, but don't overlook the importance of sealing cracks and removing bugs manually.
Why do stink bugs keep coming back every year?
Simply put... they're only using your home as a spot to overwinter. Once temperatures drop, they search again for warmth. Regular perimeter treatments and annual inspections can make a big difference.
