Does Vinegar Keep Stink Bugs Away? Here's The Truth

It's funny how the tiniest intruders can rattle our sense of peace. Stink bugs are the perfect example. They tend to sneak into your home or garden, announcing themselves with their pungent scent. You can expect to see these shield-shaped wanderers typically in the fall when temperatures drop. This is when they seek a warm nook for winter hibernation. Spring is another season that coaxes them out when the sun tempts them awake. And while they do not sting or bite you, a few species can damage your plants. Besides, their foul smell can make even the calmest among us twitch. The vinegar you use for salad dressings, which is also a versatile cleaning tool, can help keep these smelly squatters at bay, but the effect may not be permanent.

Although notorious for their potent scent, stink bugs are, ironically, highly sensitive to strong smells themselves. And that's precisely how vinegar helps. Its sharp smell can disrupt stink bugs' comfort zone and nudge them away from your home. However, this method only repels them temporarily, and the effect fades as soon as the scent dissipates.

To get rid of stink bugs, make yourself a simple spray by mixing vinegar with water. Ideally, use hot water here. Also, don't spritz aimlessly. Focus on the spots where these little invaders love to hang out. These may include windowsills, door frames, behind baseboards, and anywhere near entry points. Give those areas a good coating. The tangy scent of vinegar would force them to take their business elsewhere.

If you're feeling brave, you can target them directly. A gentle spray of vinegar on a stubborn bug can do the trick. However, avoid spraying it on wood furniture or natural stone. Vinegar is acidic, and while it's fantastic for bugs, it can dull finishes or etch surfaces over time. For a more hands-on approach, grab some tweezers and deposit the critters into a bowl of vinegar.

Note that vinegar is not a one-time fix. Its scent fades eventually, so reapplication is necessary to maintain its repelling effect and keep stink bugs away. And for long-term success, pair it with preventive moves like sealing gaps with weatherstripping and dimming outdoor lights.