How to Kill a Stink Bug

Stink bugs can leave a rash if you crush them against your skin.

Stink bugs are plant eaters and will not bite humans, but they can leave a rash if crushed on the skin. They do attack a variety of plants, including many types of fruit trees, ornamental plants and several garden plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, beans and okra. In the fall, when the temperature drops, stink bugs often seek shelter in people's homes for the winter, sometimes in large numbers.

Things You'll Need

• Pyrethrin-based aerosol spray
• Pyrethrin-based aerosol fogger
• Latex caulk
• Expanding foam
• Steel wool (optional)
• Residual Insecticide
• Insecticide sprayer

Instructions

Kill One/Few

1. Use a pyrethrin aerosol spray to kill one stink bug by simply removing the cap, shaking the can vigorously to agitate and mix the product, and spraying the stink bug directly. Pyrethrin-based sprays are safe and provide quick results.

2. Use a pyrethrin aerosol fogger to treat for larger numbers. Use it as you would a flea bomb by covering or storing exposed food and dishes, ensuring that there are no open flames (including pilot lights), and shaking the can vigorously.

3. Remove the cap, engage the trigger mechanism, set the can down in an upright position, and then leave the area for the time stated on the product label.

Seal Them Out

1. Excluding stink bugs is the best way to prevent them from becoming a problem indoors, because large numbers of dead insects can attract carpet beetles that feed on them.

2. Dim the lights in each outer room in your home and look for areas where light penetrates through, particularly around window and door edges.

3. Use latex caulk, expanding foam, or replacement seals that match your windows and/or doors to seal all gaps tight.

4. Layer expanding foam and steel wool (steel wool also prevents mouse entry) to seal gaps outside as well, particularly around plumbing, wire entries, and the dryer exhaust. Repair large gaps with materials that match your home's exterior.

Residual Spray Outside

1. Plan to apply a preventive spray application several weeks (or more), before the temperature is predicted to fall.

2. Select a residual insecticide liquid that lists stink bugs on the label as a target pest. Purchase a hand-held sprayer that allows the spray jet to be adjusted to spray both a stream and a fan pattern (most hand-pump sprayers do).

3. Read the entire pesticide label and follow all precautions and directions. Mix the insecticide in the sprayer with water as the label describes for stink bugs. Ensure that the sprayer is properly sealed and pump it up according its instructions.

4. Use the fan spray setting to apply an even band completely around the foundation of your home, applying the spray one foot out on the ground and one foot up on the wall.

5. Ensure that windows and doors are closed tight and are not going to be used until the spray dries. Adjust the nozzle to spray a stream and spray around all possible entries, including window edges, doors, and electrical, plumbing and other possible entry points. Stand well away during this procedure to prevent being splashed, and wear eye and other appropriate protection (according to label instructions). Reapply according to label instructions (usually monthly).

Tips & Warnings

• Read and follow all pest control product label directions, precautions and warnings.

References

• Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station: How to Control the Marmorated Stink Bug
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Stink Bugs
• Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
• Agri Life Extension, Texas A&M University: Catfacing Insects on Peaches

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• West Virginia University Extension Service: Less Toxic pesticides (info on Pyrethrins and others)