How To Trap Stink Bugs With A Simple Solution You Already Own

Anyone who has ever encountered an infestation of stink bugs might find it hard to imagine how it could get any worse. Luckily, the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) has one redeeming trait — it's slow. If that ever changed, the situation would take a turn for the worse. As it stands, many solutions for getting rid of stink bugs rely on the fact that they're easy to catch, but there's still the problem of the smell. If you're looking for a good way to trap stink bugs that will contain their foul odor, use duct tape. All you have to do is stick the tape to the bug, fold it over, and throw away the whole packet.

Most people don't enjoy manual control of bugs, but it's a highly effective method, especially when you follow through to disposal, and taping them up and tossing them does that. When you're trapping stink bugs, tape works well because it means you don't have to touch the bug or deal with the smell. If you're quick enough, you can encapsulate it in the tape with the bug. 

Use tape that's sticky and wide enough to get the whole bug, such as duct tape or packing tape. This method works well in the fall and winter when you find them overwintering in your home, since they're slowest this time of year. Stink bugs are more active in the spring as they're waking up and want to go outside to eat and reproduce.

Most people already know the first rule of dealing with stink bugs: don't squash or agitate them, or they stink. Sticking them to tape qualifies as agitating them, but when you fold the tape over, it contains the bug and the smell. You can throw this in the trash as it is, or you can also throw the tape packet into a bag in your freezer to kill the insect before disposing of it.

One of the good things about using tape is that even though it doesn't kill them outright, they're not likely to escape. However, if you're using other methods to get rid of stink bugs in your home, they sometimes can. Whatever method you use, if you release live stink bugs outside, they may find their way back inside. Stink bugs will even find their way out of a vacuum if it sits long enough, which is why many people kill them before disposal.

If you're using the tape trick, keep a roll on a windowsill. They're heat-seeking, so they like sunny windows and warm rooms. If you want a more hands-off approach, consider using double-sided tape along the windowsills and trim. Keep in mind that September is stink bug season, and you'll start seeing them on building exteriors — it's important to seal any cracks that may let them in. However, once you see them, some are probably already inside your home, so any caulking you do now will trap the ones who got through.