Repel Stink Bugs Naturally From Your Yard Using This Popular Solution

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The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive pest and the bane of gardeners and homeowners. The native of East Asia is a voracious eater, destroying fruit and vegetable crops, ornamentals, and weeds. Their distinctive shield shape and mostly brown color make them easy to identify. While some stink bugs are beneficial, they all get their name from the unpleasant odor they emit that some say resembles a strong, herbaceous smell, especially when squashed. They can be eradicated from your yard and home without releasing their scent by several means, but diatomaceous earth, a natural material made from fossilized aquatic organisms, is a proven method.

The bones of the tiny organisms that make up diatomaceous earth consist of silica, a substance that makes up almost a quarter of the earth's crust by weight. You can find diatomaceous earth in paints, skin care products, food, and numerous other things, but a powdered form is used as an insecticide. It works by absorbing essential fats and oils from the insect's exoskeleton and tissues, causing it to die, and it will keep on working on new insects as they intrude, as long as it remains dry. The bugs don't need to eat it for it to be effective, but they do have to come in contact with it.

Stink bugs spend the cold months in leaf litter and become active as the weather warms, so they can be a nuisance in the yard from spring through fall. Unfortunately, signs that stink bugs are damaging plants sometimes don't appear until after the insects have left the area, so you need to see the insects themselves to determine whether you should treat the area with diatomaceous earth. If you do find stink bugs, apply a light layer of diatomaceous earth dust around the perimeter of your yard, focusing on infested areas. The easiest way to do this is with a duster applicator, such as the Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder Duster, but you can sprinkle it with your hands, or even use a flour sifter (just thoroughly wash them afterwards). Applicators are budget-friendly, and the nozzle allows you to apply the dust exactly where you want it. Diatomaceous earth is only effective on stink bugs when it's dry, so you'll have to reapply it regularly. It may not be the best choice if you live in a humid environment or have heavy dew most mornings.

If you're concerned about stink bugs inside your home, diatomaceous earth is largely harmless to adults, children, and pets. You can safely apply it to areas where you detect insect activity, like window sills and doorways, but you should also take steps to prevent stink bugs from making future invasions. If diatomaceous earth is inhaled, it may irritate your nose or throat, and it can cause minor skin and eye irritation. To avoid this, wear long sleeves, long pants, and a face mask if you're dusting a large area. It's also safe for the environment, posing no known harm to wildlife or water sources.