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It starts in the fall. You see a slow-moving, shield-shaped bug clumsily buzzing near a window. Then you find another on your curtain. And another on the lampshade. Stink bugs have moved in, looking for a warm place to wait out the cold.
While they don’t bite or cause damage, their clumsy flying and that infamous smell—released when they’re scared or squished—make them awful housemates. The goal isn’t to declare war, but to gently, firmly show them the way out and keep them from coming back.
1. Your First Priority is to Seal Them Out
Stink bugs are hitchhikers that sneak in through the tiniest gaps. Keeping them out is 90% of the solution.
- Do a Detective Walk: On a bright day, go outside and slowly inspect your home’s exterior. Pay close attention to window screens (check for tiny tears), door sweeps, and gaps around utility lines, vents, or siding. Even a crack the width of a credit card is an open door to them.
- Seal the Deal: Use silicone caulk to seal any cracks or gaps you find. Install or replace worn weather-stripping around doors and windows. Make sure your window screens are tightly fitted and hole-free.
2. The Best Removal Tool
Forget the fly swatter. Squishing them is what releases that terrible odor. A little patience works better.
- The No-Touch Technique: Keep a wide-mouth jar or plastic container with a lid handy. Add an inch of soapy water to the bottom. When you see a stink bug on a wall or window, slowly place the open jar underneath it. Gently nudge the bug with a piece of paper or your finger, and it will usually drop right into the soapy water. Put the lid on. This contains any smell and humanely dispatches them.
- The Vacuum Trick (With a Warning): You can use a vacuum cleaner hose to quickly suck up several bugs. However, immediately take the vacuum outside, remove the bag or empty the canister, and seal the bugs in a plastic bag. Otherwise, the smell can linger inside your vacuum for a long time.
3. Set a Gentle Trap at Common Entry Points
For bugs that are already in hard-to-reach spots, like high on a ceiling, lure them down.
- The Soapy Water Bowl Trap: Fill a shallow pan or bowl with soapy water. At night, place it on the floor beneath a bright desk lamp. Turn off all other lights in the room. Stink bugs are attracted to the light and will fly toward it, fall into the water, and drown. This is a quiet, odor-free way to catch stragglers.
4. Use Scents They Dislike as a Deterrent
While not a foolproof solution, certain strong scents can make areas less appealing.
- A Simple Mint Spray: Mix 10 drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist it around window sills, door frames, and other entry points. The strong minty smell can discourage them from crossing. Reapply every few days or after cleaning.
5. Stay Calm and Carry a Jar
Panic leads to squishing, and squishing leads to stink.
When you see one, move slowly. Your goal is to remove them without triggering their defense mechanism. Remember, they are not aggressive; they are just lost and looking for a way back out. Your job is to help them exit—permanently.
Getting rid of stink bugs is about smart defense and gentle removal. Seal up your home, keep your jar of soapy water ready, and use light traps at night. With a little patience, you can enjoy a home that’s both warm for you and closed for business to them. Now, go check those window screens—your first line of defense is waiting.
