How To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs Without Using Pesticides Or Traps

Stink bugs are an ever-present pest in spring and summer.  September is stink bug season, and they will head indoors to find a warm place to spend the winter. While we can't blame them for wanting to escape the cold, nobody wants these insects in their home. Stink bugs can also be tricky to deal with. If disturbed or squished (something you should never do), these insects emit a foul-smelling liquid — the last thing you want on your hands or furniture!

Vacuuming stink bugs is a clever way to deal with these uninvited guests. But stink bugs pose a problem here, too: they're likely to emit their smelly fluids when swept up, and now they're inside your vacuum cleaner. This means that even if you dump the bugs outside, they can leave their stinky residue behind. But there's an easy way to catch them using something you might already have, and it's not a traditional trap or pesticide: pantyhose.

All you have to do is take a single nylon legging and insert it inside your vacuum's hose. Secure it to the rim of the hose with a rubber band or tape and start vacuuming. Your vacuum will suck up the stink bugs, while the pantyhose will act like a filter, collecting the pests and keeping them out of the bag or dustbin. This is especially useful if you have a bagless vacuum, and don't want the insects to leave odors inside your machine.

The pantyhose trick is a handy way to vacuum up stink bugs you find inside, but it's even better to keep them out in the first place. There are a few ways you can prevent stink bugs from invading your home without using traps or pesticides. Like many pests, stink bugs don't like strong scents. Essential oil scents like mint, clove, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents that can keep stink bugs away. Mix the oil with water in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray around windows, doorways, and any cracks where they might enter.

Another household staple you can use to get rid of stink bugs is a scented dryer sheet. Like essential oils, scented dryer sheets can repel stink bugs with their fragrance. Simply rub a dryer sheet on the screens of your windows, doors, and anywhere you've seen them gather. It's an easy preventative measure to take in the fall when stink bugs start looking for a warm place to call home.