How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
For some parts of the world, autumn is a welcome change of the season, but it is also known to bring the dreaded invasion of stink bugs. These little critters can amass by the thousands, and that's just on one property. They can be a problem both indoors and out. And true to its name, the stink bug can expel a ferocious odour when they are killed. So how do you get rid of something that can be worse if you kill it? That all depends on how you do it.
Stink Bugs Outside Your Home
There are different methods of handling the swarms of stink bugs that may show up near the outside of your home and in your yard. It is important to note that stink bugs always begin from outside. Control of stink bugs in your yard is paramount to avoiding them in your house. Here are tips for getting rid of stink bugs outside:
Spread diatomaceous earth – Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance that is poisonous to many critters, including stink bugs. Sprinkle the poison all over your yard, including on any bugs you see. It will kill them, as well as deterring others from entering your yard.
Spray them with soapy water – If you want to poison the bugs and get rid of them for good, you can try filling a spray bottle with soapy water. Any mild soap will work just fine. Soap poisons stink bugs, killing them and deterring others from coming back.
Grow and use catnip – A natural deterrent for keeping stink bugs away from your yard is catnip. You can either buy it at your local pet store as grown plants, or buy the seeds and plant it in your yard. Choose locations where you tend to find clusters of the bugs.
Deter with garlic or mint – Other deterrents for stink bugs are garlic and mint. When they smell this in your yard or anywhere around your home, they will find another place to make their home. Fill a spray bottle with water that has garlic or mint. Spray the areas where you see most stink bugs, and they will leave and not return.
Stink Bugs Inside Your Home
The last thing you want to do is deal with stink bugs inside your home. You should always start by taking care of bugs outside your home, in order to prevent them from entering. Next, follow these tips for keeping them from entering and getting rid of bugs that have already made their way inside:
Winterise your home - Seal and repair any gaps, holes or cracks in your home, as this is where stink bugs get through. Use weather stripping and fix tears you find in your window screens.
Knock them into a pail of soapy water - They slide easily when disturbed, so keep a paper and soapy bucket handy to knock them in. The soapy water will kill them almost instantly. This also makes it easy to dispose of them outside when they're dead.
Hire a professional – There may come a point where the home remedies aren't cutting it, and you need to hire a professional pest control company, such as Black & White Pest Control. They can take care of the stink bugs inside and outside your home, as well as help you prevent them from returning.