How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs for Good—the Odor-Free Method Experts Swear By

As temperatures begin to drop, you may notice one insect has taken up residence in your home: stink bugs. These bugs overwinter in homes during fall and winter when it's too cold to be outside. While they are relatively harmless, stink bugs can be a nuisance in large numbers. To help you mitigate their presence, we spoke to pest control experts who shared their go-to ways to get rid of stink bugs once and for all.

What Are Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs are small insects that feed on plants and emit a foul odor when threatened or crushed. "They’re about the size of a dime and have a distinct shield-shaped body that is usually brown with a mottled or speckled appearance," says Timothy Wong, technical director at MMPC, a pest control company. "There are several species found in the U.S., but the most notorious is the brown marmorated stink bug. This species can be identified by the alternating light and dark bands on their antennae, legs, and edges of the abdomen."

Although stink bugs don't sting or bite, they are harmful to plants and can be a nuisance inside the home, where they typically invade when the weather cools down in fall. "They damage fruits, vegetables, and crops by feeding on them," says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, associate certified entomologist and technical services manager for Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company. "Indoors, they don’t cause structural damage but can invade homes in large numbers. They can leave stains on fabrics and walls when squished."

What Attracts Stink Bugs

These insects may venture inside your home for a few reasons. "Stink bugs are attracted to warmth, light, and shelter," says Harlow-Ellis. They typically become a problem during winter when they enter homes in search of shelter. "This is a common insect behavior called overwintering. Usually starting in the fall, they gather on the sunny, warm sides of buildings and then crawl through cracks or gaps to get inside," says Wong. "The main factor that 'attracts' them to a particular home is how accessible it is in terms of entry points and proximity to vegetation where they live."

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How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

Crushing stink bugs may be your first instinct when trying to rid your home of them, but our experts recommend against this. When disturbed, they emit a strong, musty odor as a defensive mechanism," says Harlow-Ellis. Fortunately, there are a couple alternative ways to get rid of a stink bug infestation.

• Vacuum them: According to Wong, the easiest way to get rid of sting bugs is to vacuum them using a vacuum cleaner with a bag. Immediately seal and throw away the bag to contain the odor.
• Spray them: Another effective method is to spray the stink bugs with soapy water or undiluted 91 percent rubbing alcohol.
• Trap them: Place a cup or bowl over the stink bugs to trap them. Place a piece of paper under the cup to keep them from escaping, then release the bugs outside, away from your property.

How to Prevent Stink Bugs From Coming Back

The best way to prevent sink bugs from coming back inside your home is to find the source of the issue. Check your property for small cracks or holes and seal those entry points. "Keep in mind that stinkbugs can squeeze through any gaps larger than 4 millimeters or holes larger than 8 millimeters," says Wong. "Besides that, another practice that helps is keeping the perimeter of your home clear of tall grass or overgrown vegetation."

Harlow-Ellis also recommends using essential oils, like mint, neem, or eucalyptus, as the smell can repel stink bugs. She also says to turn off outdoor lights at night—the glow can lure stink bugs straight to your property.