Keep Stink Bugs Away With A Natural Fragrance They Can't Stand

Stink bugs are pests that rival even the creepiest spiders and the most annoying mosquitoes. Unfortunately, you can't easily get rid of them, as killing or disturbing them may cause them to release the odor from which they get their name. Thankfully, you may be able to stop them from even appearing in your home in the first place with a more natural solution. According to a 2013 study originally published in the Journal of Applied Entomology, certain essential oils significantly reduce the number of stink bugs, including lemongrass oil.

The study focused specifically on the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), the invasive pest that could cause problems in your home. Lemongrass oil repels them since its strong scent overwhelms their olfactory receptors, which some people theorize then disrupts these insects' ability to find food. Despite the study's focus on a singular species of stink bug, this essential oil is still worth trying against other types thanks to its broad effectiveness; other pests repelled by lemongrass include flies, ants, roaches, and some ticks. However, remember that while this will help you fight stink bugs, it should be used with caution in homes with pets. It can cause liver damage, skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if a large enough dose is ingested.

The easiest way to use essential oils is as a spray. To make one, you can fill a small glass spray bottle with 2 ounces of distilled or boiled water, 1 ounce of vodka or witch hazel, and around 10 to 15 drops of lemongrass essential oil depending on your desired strength. Then, you can spray around the doors and windows of your home or other potential stink bug entry points.

Lemongrass oil could leave residue on nearby fabrics and upholstery or degrade rubber and plastic over time, so if you want a more targeted option than spraying into the air, try leaving out cotton balls soaked in the oil. While you might think that planting fresh lemongrass could be helpful, note that it won't have the same repellent effect since the plant's leaves will only release their strong repellant scent when crushed.

Lemongrass is a fresh fragrance, but its grassy scent is not for everyone. Other essential oils that work well include spearmint, ylang-ylang, and clove. If lemongrass's scent doesn't bother you and you want an extra strong-smelling spray, you can try combining all of these different oils in one bottle. However, if stinkbugs are still getting through, you may need to combine your essential oil spray with other methods to get rid of stink bugs. For example, you can set up a few traps to catch them, including the simple solution to get rid of stink bugs: a soap and water mixture in a baking tin.