How To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs With A Simple Solution

Stink bugs are often found in homes during winter as they try to find a warm place to hide. Though they don't bite or sting, they can harm plants. Another major issue is their smell. If they get disturbed or squished, these tiny pests release a foul-smelling odor that can stick around for hours or even days. Thankfully, a simple trap consisting of a disposable roasting pan, soap, and a lamp is all you need to get rid of these smelly invaders.

A lot of methods to remove these pests don't work or may not kill stink bugs quickly enough to prevent them from releasing the protective scent that haunts your nightmares. Researchers from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech did a study on the best way to banish stink bugs (and conquer the fear of their odor) and found the solution. A great way to eradicate stink bugs without releasing their scent involves dropping them into a roasting pan of soap and water. Placing a lamp or a bright bulb over the mixture can eliminate the need to manually transport the bugs into the container and lead the insects to get rid of themselves. The study focused on brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys), but this tactic can also work for other types of stink bugs you should know about.

The Virginia Tech study determined that up to 14 times more stink bugs were trapped using an illuminated pan of soap and water than with store-bought traps. This effective option is not only cheap to make, but it's also free of pesticides. The measurements don't need to be precise, either. Fill a disposable roasting tray with roughly a ½ gallon of water and a good squirt of dish soap over the top. Gently mix it together so you get some suds, then position a desk lamp above it, with the light focused directly onto the water. Virginia Tech's researchers suggest leaving it on for about 12 hours overnight. Set up the trap where the stink bugs are most active, or near the places they're most likely hiding, such as the seams of windows or exterior doors.

Now that you know how to remove stink bugs already in your home, you may want to think about how to keep them out for the next winter season. The best preventative measure is to seal any cracks around door frames, windows, or vents leading into your residence. You also want to make sure there are strong screens in your windows (and storm doors, if you have them). These safeguards may not completely eliminate them, as stink bugs can fit through crevices that are ⅛ of an inch, but they can slow the insects' entry into your home.