How To Eradicate Stink Bugs Without Releasing Their Scent

It is never a pleasant sight to see bugs crawling around your living space. But what makes it even worse is when the intruder happens to be a brown marmorated stink bug. While they may not chew through your woodwork or reproduce inside your walls, they are definitely the type of bugs you don't want living in your home. If crushed, stink bugs release a pungent odor that can linger in the air and could even leave stains on your furniture. So, you may be wondering how you can safely remove these pests. Well, it turns out one of the most effective ways to get rid of them is to simply use a soapy water solution.

There are plenty of methods that can be used to eliminate stink bugs from your home, but some of those approaches could leave behind the very odor you are trying to avoid. This basic soap and water concoction works to get rid of stink bugs quickly and cleanly, while preventing them from releasing their scent. It is important to not just repel but eliminate stink bugs, so soap and water may be your best option. 

Tiny pores that are hidden under their tough, waxy shells are how stink bugs breathe, so when you drop them into soapy water, it coats their bodies and covers up those pores. Within 20 to 40 seconds, they will suffocate and sink. 

This soap mixture acts as a double threat. First, it breaks down the bug's protective outer layer, also called its cuticle. Then it changes the buoyancy of the water. Under normal circumstances, stink bugs can easily float on plain water, but when you add soap, it destroys the water's surface tension, pulling the bugs under until they drown. If you are going to use this method, make sure that there is enough soap in the water to coat the entire insect. A light mist or a dip into a bucket is all it takes to contain the bugs. No crushing required.

As we have established, this soap and water mixture is an easy way to keep stink bugs out of the house as temperatures drop. It's so simple that you could even use your kitchen sink. If you would rather not take that route, find a bucket or a sturdy plastic container — something like a milk jug or large food tub — and cut off the top so it has a wide opening. Fill up the bucket or container with a few inches of water and then add a tablespoon of dish soap. To ensure you do not crush the stink bugs and accidentally release that noxious odor, nudge them into the water with a stick or use gloves to pick them up directly. 

For the process to work effectively, you will need to be quick because if you hesitate too long, they will flutter away. But once in the water, the stink bugs cannot escape. After you've collected a handful, just pour the soapy mixture down the toilet. It's cleaner, quicker, and keeps you from wasting water by flushing one bug at a time.