How to Kill Stinkbugs Using Home Remedies

Vacuuming can help rid your home of stink bugs.

Home remedies are an effective way to kill odorous and annoying stink bugs. These bugs have a shield-shaped body and are about 5/8 inch long. The body is a mottled brown color. Although stink bugs damage plant tissue, they are but a nuisance within the home. They enter through cracks in windows, doors, ceiling fans and the foundation of your home. Crushing the bug results in a foul odor, therefore dispose of them outdoors as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Trash bag
• Bucket
• Liquid soap
• Shop vacuum or one with attachments
• Weather stripping (optional)
• Caulk (optional)
• Screen repair kits or new screens (optional)

Instructions

1. Pick the stink bug off garden plants and dispose of them into a trash bag and then an outdoor garbage receptacle. If populations are large in your area, it is best to check every few days to prevent the bugs from damaging the plants.

2. Fill a bucket or other container with soapy water. Knock the stink bug off the plants and into the water. This kills the stink bugs so you can dispose of them outdoors.

3. Vacuum the stink bugs anywhere you spot them in your home. A shop vacuum is helpful or use a vacuum with an attachment. Dispose of the vacuum bag outdoors to prevent a lingering odor inside your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Insecticides have little effect on stink bugs. If they work, it is only for a short period, often less than a week.

• Seal cracks, gaps and any type of entry point around the perimeter and inside your home. Use weather stripping and caulk to close the openings. Repair holes in window screens or purchase new screens if they have gaps. This is effective in preventing the return of the stink bugs once you kill them.

• Young stink bugs do not resemble the adult pest until they are older. They are yellow with red and black colorings on their back.

• Eggs are laid in masses and appear on the underside of leaves. They are yellowish red or pale yellow in color.

References

• University of Maryland Extension: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
• Cornell Cooperative Extension; Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (from China, Japan, and Korea); Steve Jacobs; April 2002