Forget Essential Oils: Get Rid Of Stink Bugs With An Easy Entry Barrier Trap

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Fall marks the start of stink bugs' search for an indoor spot to overwinter and, without proper maintenance, your house may become their preferred hibernation site. While stink bugs won't actually cause structural damage or ruin any of your belongings, they're still a smelly nuisance.

The best way to get rid of stink bugs in your home is to ensure they don't enter it in the first place. These small insects will search for holes and cracks to gain entry, so it's crucial to seal doors and windows properly. Similarly, ensure there are no tears in your window screens, close off any fireplaces when not in use, and repair cracks that show up around the home's foundation or in the attic with caulk. However, even the best sealed home may not stop all stink bugs from getting inside, which is why an entry barrier trap is a good addition to your arsenal. 

This simple hack involves repurposing sticky fly tape to catch any solitary stink bugs that do make it indoors. Hang strips near windows and doors or spread longer pieces along windowsills. If you spot another preferred entryway, such as a vent or doorframe, strategically run fly tape along the wall next to it. Store-bought fly tape will get the job done on a budget, as an 81-foot roll is just under $12 on Amazon. However, you can also DIY your own chemical-free version with a few ingredients you likely already have.

Ideally, no stink bugs will enter your home if all nooks and crannies are properly sealed off, but if any do make it inside, one of the most simple solutions to get rid of stink bugs is to make DIY sticky fly tape. Start by cutting a brown paper bag into strips that are 2 inches wide and 12 inches long. Then, make a hole and thread a piece of string or twine through the top of each for hanging. Next, mix the solution that will attract the bugs by combining equal parts white sugar, honey, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and allow the sugar to dissolve, then let the concoction cool before running each strip of paper through the sticky mix. Ensure they're fully coated but not dripping, set aside to cool fully, then hang them up as you would store-bought fly tape.

The only downside of using this entrapment method on stink bugs is that they won't die on contact, which means they may begin to release their stinky smell as they become agitated. For this reason, it's important to check the traps daily and toss them as soon as one bug is on them. To eradicate stink bugs without releasing their scent, make sure not to squash them. Instead, fold the tape over itself and the bug gently, then place the whole thing in a bag for disposal.