How to Get Rid of Stinkbugs

Do you have a stinkbug problem in your house? Stinkbugs are a great annoyance, and they particularly invade your house during the spring or summer seasons. There are over 260 different species of stinkbugs, and each one of them emits a foul odor. So, what should you do if they invade your home, and what are some tips for getting rid of them?

If stinkbugs have entered your house, the easiest way to exterminate them is using bug bombs (also called foggers). These bombs kill the stinkbugs on sight. However, they work better on bugs which are exposed to the human eye, rather than bugs which are hidden under the cracks of your wall.

You can also simply use a vacuum to suck up the stinkbugs in your house. This is advantageous as an alternative to spraying your house with chemicals. Further, since stinkbugs frequently require several applications of bug bombs, a vacuum might be a better choice if you only appear to have a small infestation.

The Best Way To Get Rid of Stinkbugs

Experts agree that preventing stinkbugs from getting into your house in the first place is the best defense against these nuisances. Thus, you need to fortify the outside of your house against them.

One way that you can accomplish this is by treating the exterior of your house to insecticide applications. If stinkbugs are in your vicinity, you have to remember to apply the insecticide treatment at least once a week to the outside of your house. This is because insecticides begin to break down in the sun, and their effectiveness decreases for every day that the insecticide is in the sunlight.

You also need to secure your house by closing any openings through which the stinkbugs might enter. This means closing your doors and windows, and replacing any broken or torn window screens.

Inspect your house for any cracks in the windows, in the doors, in the chimney, or in your pipes. If you find a crack, you should stuff the crack with some type of adhesive or material through which the stinkbug won’t be able to enter. You can go to your local hardware store and inquire which product might be best for that task. 

What Is a Stinkbug

Stinkbugs are a small type of bug that have a triangular shield on their back. They have a round abdomen, and have straight sides. However, they get their name from the odor that they emit from their bodies. They have a gland that releases odor as a means of self defense.

According to scientists, one of the most common types of stinkbugs is the Southern Green Stinkbug found in Georgia. These bugs are a light green color, and grow to approximately seventeen millimeters long and eight millimeters wide.

Some other common stinkbugs include the brown stinkbug, and the green stinkbug. All stinkbugs are classified as part of the Pentatomidae family of bugs. 

Consequences of Stinkbugs

If stinkbugs get into your house, the greatest nuisance is the smell. However, even outside of their odor, stinkbugs cause significant problems. They damage crops by removing sap from the plants. Further, they feed on fruits, which make these fruits inedible to humans. Stinkbugs have also been known to eat seeds, which prevents the seeds from growing.

Outside of attacking crops and feeding on fruits and vegetables, stinkbugs also bring bacteria and yeast to the environment in which they live. When they feed on a crop or a piece of fruit, they also leave an opening for diseases to enter.