Stink bugs don’t bite or spread disease but they damage plants and can be a terribly messy nuisance—plus, yeah, they stink, too. The next time you spot these intrusive pests, skip the toxic stuff and try these natural approaches instead.
1. PREP YOUR YARD
The following guidelines reduce outdoor (and therefore indoor) stink bug populations:
- Limit potential hideouts by keeping grass and shrubbery trim, and promptly removing any overgrowth like weeds.
- Create space between exterior walls and any small trees or bushes. Stink bugs use these as bridges to move indoors.
- Healthier lawns are less prone to stink bug issues. Maintain a vibrant lawn by avoiding synthetic products, watering and fertilizing as needed, and treating it with a family-safe insecticide monthly.
2. SOAP & WATER
Simple and effective, a bucket filled with several cups of hot/warm water and ¾ cup natural dish soap is excellent for disposing of stink bugs.
Place the bucket below individuals crawling on walls and other surfaces and knock them down inside using a garden tool or gloved hand.
3. VACUUM
Vacuums are one of the easiest options for removing stink bugs indoors.
To avoid a stinky mess, use a vacuum with a disposable bag or repurpose a used stocking to prevent bugs from entering the bag. Simply wrap the stocking around the vacuum tube, secure it with a rubber band, and push it down inside the tube. Then simply dispose of the stocking when you’re finished.
4. FLYPAPER
Stink bugs tend to accumulate all in the same areas, namely walls and entry points with access to warmth or sunlight.
A few strips of fly paper applied to these spaces can do wonders for reducing their numbers.
5. DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
Made from crushed algae fossils, diatomaceous earth is an awesome natural pesticide, killing any stink bugs that come into contact with it.
Spread the chalk-like powder along entry points like window sills and doorways, and wherever else you commonly spot stink bugs. Dusting them directly works, too!
