How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

If you’ve ever stepped on a stink bug, you likely know how it got its name. These infamous pests release a foul-smelling chemical as a defense mechanism, especially when they’ve been crushed. Fortunately, there are smarter, odorless ways to get rid of stink bugs.

While they don’t bite or spread disease, stink bugs are an annoying pest to have around, and their odor can linger long after they’re gone.

Whether you’re dealing with a few intruders or a full-blown invasion, here’s what to know about these pungent pests, and how to get rid of them for good.

Why You Shouldn’t Step on a Stink Bug

When threatened, stink bugs release a noxious scent from special glands in their abdomen. Crushing or squishing them causes this chemical to burst out, which fills the area with an unpleasant odor. The smell can cling to fabrics, carpet, and even your hands if you make the mistake of handling them directly.

How to Remove Stink Bugs Without the Smell

The best way to not get the smell of a stink bug is to avoid crushing it. Here are some DIY, odor-free alternatives you can try to exterminate them:

• Soapy Water Trap: Fill a container with water and a few drops of dish soap. Knock stink bugs into the solution to drown them without releasing their odor.
• Vacuum Carefully: Use a vacuum cleaner with a disposable bag to suck up stink bugs. Be aware that the vacuum may absorb the smell, so avoid using one with a cloth bag or for general cleaning afterward.
• Essential Oils: Scents like clove, mint, and lemongrass act as natural stink bug repellents. Mix essential oils with water in a spray bottle and mist areas around windows, doors, and entry points.
• Diatomaceous Earth: This fine, powdery substance can be sprinkled around cracks and crevices. It damages the bug’s exoskeleton and leads to dehydration, without any odor.

These methods may offer temporary relief, but stink bugs can be difficult to fully eliminate without specialized tools and techniques. Professional pest control ensures a thorough approach by identifying and sealing access points, treating active infestations, and preventing future invasions.

Professional Stink Bug Control in Spokane WA & Coeur d’Alene ID

If you’re dealing with recurring stink bug problems, it’s time to bring in the experts. 

At Eden Advanced Pest Technologies, we offer safe, effective pest control solutions to eliminate stink bugs and keep them from coming back. Our licensed technicians use proven methods to target the source and prevent future infestations, no smell, no stress.

Don’t squish it, call Eden Advanced Pest Technologies instead. Contact us today for a stink bug inspection and personalized treatment plan.