Stink bugs. Can’t live with ’em, can’t keep ’em from squeezing into your cottage and stinking up the joint. Well, you can. It just might take a little work.
Why are there so many stink bugs?
Fall is stink bug season. At least, that’s when you’re likely to notice them. As the temperatures drop, stink bugs—North America has more than 250 different species—start to move indoors…sometimes right into your cottage. “Lots of insects overwinter in the adult stage, which means that when the weather starts to get colder, they have to find places to spend the cold weather,” says Bob Anderson, an entomologist at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Great for the stink bug. Not so great for you.
Do stink bugs bite? Are stink bugs harmful?
In general, true stink bugs don’t bite or sting. The most they’ll do is land on your pant leg and freak you out. The invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys, pictured), native to Asia, is harmful in the sense that it can destroy entire fruit and vegetable crops, along with a wide variety of plants. (If you think you spot one—look for the two distinctive white bands on the bug’s last two antenna segments—most provinces would like you to report the bug; they have online reporting forms like this one from the B.C. government.) To learn more about this invasive, and how to ID it, visit the Invasive Species Centre.
What do stink bugs smell like?
Stink bugs stink either when crushed, or when threatened. They release a strong-smelling substance from their abdomens. Most people liken it to cilantro, but others describe it as freshly cut grass, dirty socks, cat pee, Jolly Ranchers, rubber, cinnamon…In short, stink bugs smell like anything.
What attracts stink bugs? How do I repel stink bugs?
In spring, stink bugs are drawn to your property because of native plants or fruit trees. But they’re really only a nuisance when they come inside. Like plenty of other insects, they’re attracted to light, and they’ll find tiny openings to use as doorways into your cottage. There’s unfortunately no sure-fire way to repel them. Your best defense is the same defense that you’d use against any pest insect: inspecting the exterior of the cottage for any cracks and crevices, and sealing them up with caulk. Look around windows and doors, around siding and utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia. Look pretty much everywhere. (This will help keep your cottage free from other critters, too.)
As for chemical methods, an all-purpose, exterior spray—the sort that pest control companies use for cluster flies, “would likely do the job,” says Glen Robertson of Robertson’s Wildlife and Pest Control in Coldwater, Ont. The problem? You’d need to get this done early in the fall, before you start to notice them indoors, and a spray could also harm non-target insects. Which means you could end up killing beneficial bugs that you actually want around.
How do I get rid of stink bugs?
“We usually just tell people to vacuum them up,” says Robertson. (Get rid of the vacuum bag right away to avoid any stench.) Happily, the bugs won’t damage your cottage, breed and reproduce, eat your food, or do much of anything while they’re there. If they survive the winter, they’ll leave in the spring.
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FAQs
Yes, several substances can kill stink bugs on contact. Spraying a mixture of water and dish soap or insecticidal soap on stink bugs can effectively kill them. Pyrethrin-based insecticides and rubbing alcohol solutions also kill stink bugs on contact.
What is a natural predator of stink bugs? ›
The list of native natural enemies that attack brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) includes other species of insects, spiders, and even some birds and mammals. For instance, birds to a certain extent, feed on BMSB adults[1], and small mammals such as rats may feed on BMSB eggs[2].
What happens if a stink bug bites you? ›
In these cases, a stink bug bite is not poisonous, even though it may hurt. More often than not, someone may get an allergic reaction to the compounds released by stink bugs, according to Healthline. Some may experience a runny nose or a rash, known as dermatitis, if they come in contact with a crushed stink bug.
What attracts stink bugs in your house? ›
Stink bugs are attracted to the warmth and shelter of your house, and will enter through any cracks and openings. You should seal openings with caulk to keep them out, and don't forget to check screens on windows and doors for holes as well! Light also attracts stink bugs to your house.
What scent do stink bugs hate? ›
While stink bugs themselves are smelly creatures, scents we consider pleasant aren't well-received by these pests. So, what essential oils do stink bugs hate? Clove oil, lemongrass oil, spearmint oil, and Ylang Ylang oil are a few of the essential oils stink bugs find themselves shying away from.
What kills stink bugs instantly with vinegar? ›
A homemade spray containing dish soap and white vinegar can kill stink bugs on the spot. Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of hot water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and 1/4 cup of dish soap. Then spray the bugs directly when you see them.
Do stink bugs have any benefits? ›
A few species of stink bug are predators of other insects. These predatory stink bugs can actually help protect crops against destructive pests. They eat caterpillars, beetles and even plant-feeding stink bugs.
When a stink bug lands on you? ›
If a stink bug lands on you, it may crawl around or try to fly away, and its legs and body can be quite prickly. This can cause some discomfort, and you may feel a slight itch or tingling sensation.
How to find stink bug nest? ›
When looking for stink bugs, a good place to start is outdoors. Check around window frames, door frames, vents, eaves and on walls that get the most sun exposure. Stink Bugs like to squeeze into cracks, crevices to find their way indoors.
Where do stink bugs go at night? ›
The pests gravitate towards light and often gather on sunny exterior walls. At night, porch lights attract them to houses, where they use gaps in the siding to head towards warmth indoors. Read more about what causes stink bugs.
Depending upon the species and where they live, the pests may create more than one generation per year (up to 400 eggs during their lifetime). Adult stink bugs tend to live between 6 – 8 months.
How do you make homemade stink bug killer? ›
To kill stinkbugs, combine equal amounts of hot water, dish soap (to make soapy water), and white vinegar to spray around your home.
How do exterminators get rid of stink bugs? ›
Your Orkin Pro will probably recommend sealing all cracks that are more than 1/8 inch wide, screening or repairing existing screens over roof vents, gable vents, windows and doors and installing door sweeps. Chemical products can be applied around possible stink bug entry points.
How do you stop stink bugs from spreading? ›
Placement of screens over windows, doors and vents, removal of window air conditioners and caulking cracks in windows and doorframes will deter the adults from entering. Removal of window air conditioners is important, as numerous BMSB will enter this way.
Why should you not touch stink bugs? ›
Stink bugs aren't toxic. They just stink. But, it is important to keep in mind that stink bugs can spray that smelly liquid from their thorax, and you might get it in your eyes. If so, seek medical attention to prevent any damage.
