The one thing you absolutely should not do if you see one in your home is crush it -- because it will emit an awful, skunk-like odor when frightened or killed. The cooler fall weather sends stink bugs indoors, which they will try to make their way in through open windows, cracks and eroded weather stripping.
As a defense mechanism, these smelly critters release an odor when they are crushed or smashed. Not only that, but the foul smell that stink bugs give off contains a chemical that attracts other stink bugs to them. So the last thing you should do is squish them in order to get them out of your home!
Try to avoid crushing stink bugs as they will emit an odor. A great method for getting rid of stink bugs in your home is to sweep or vacuum them up. It's also recommended to change your exterior lighting to yellow light bulbs because they are attracted to lights.
However, making sure to not squeeze the stink bug is the most important part of any removal strategy. Not only will it release a foul odor but the foul odor will also attract more stink bugs. Fortunately, with any of the following methods, you can get rid of stink bugs without creating an awful stench in the process.
As it turns out, the claim about the smell that's emitted when stink bugs are crushed is true. When disturbed or squashed, stink bugs do release an unpleasant odor.
The bugs aren't dangerous, but definitely live up to their name if you try to attack them. The one thing you absolutely should not do if you see one in your home is crush it -- because it will emit an awful, skunk-like odor when frightened or killed.
Most species of stink bugs cannot bite or sting; their only method of defense is to give off the bad smell so often associated with them. There are, however, some predatory species of stink bugs that can bite, and a few of the plant-eating stink bugs may also bite if handled.
While seemingly innocuous, killing a stink bug can have lingering effects. Not only does the chemical produced by stink bugs smell, but it also releases pheromones that attract other stink bugs. With numerous stink bugs roaming through your home, it's only a matter of time until you're stuck with a smelly infestation!
Stink bugs may seem pretty tough, but plain old soapy water is their kryptonite. The soap penetrates their hard outer shield, allowing them to take damage much easier. When using the flushing down the toilet method, prepare the water by adding some soap to it first. Then collect the stink bugs and throw them in.
Soapy Water
A stink bug's natural reaction to any perceived threat is to drop straight down. Fill a wide mouth jar with soapy water (add some vinegar for extra killing power), move it into position beneath a stink bug, and most often it will drop right into the suds and drown.
The pungent odor of a stink bug is similar to that of the cooking herb cilantro. Others might say it smells like sulfur and ammonia or rancid meat. However, some people are not sensitive to the scent and do not recognize it at all. The insect only produces the foul aroma when it feels threatened or if crushed.
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. Stink bugs can become household pests when they invade homes for warmth.
If they don't bother you, just leave 'em alone. They don't bite, eat clothing, or damage your home. They prefer to eat tree leaves, veggies, and other plants and organic materials. They are just living their little bug life, trying to get by and do right by their bug families as they move outside.
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. Other popular scents that repel stink bugs from your home are different types of dryer sheets.
Stink Bugs Have Very Few Natural Predators
While stink bug eggs and nymphs may be vulnerable to parasitic wasps, adult stink bugs have very few predators to worry about. Some birds, insects and reptiles are known to eat stink bugs, but they do not consume them in great enough numbers to decrease stink bug populations.
They're seeking shelter. As the temperatures drop, stink bugs like to come inside to seek shelter for something known as diapause, a period in their life cycle when they're inactive, says Michael J. Raupp, Ph. D., professor of entomology at The University of Maryland and creator of Bug of the Week.
Both nymphs and adults feed on plants and fruit. Stink bug adults will continue to feed and reproduce during summer. 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.
Although stink bugs can leave your home smelling unsanitary, they don't usually pose a health risk to your family and friends. The typical stink bug can't even bite you.
The bugs normally live six to eight months.
What are Stink Bugs and Where Do They Come From? The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed.
Although they pose no threat, you don't want to find stink bugs in your house because they can emit stinky odors. When temperatures drop, stink bugs make their way indoors. An important part of keeping them out is understanding what attracts stink bugs to your house in the first place.
Stink bugs prefer warm weather. To survive during the colder months, they overwinter indoors. During this time, they are likely to stay hidden within walls or the attic. Their presence doesn't typically become known until temperatures start heating up again and they are ready to go back outside.
The most active season for stink bugs is primarily March through September. But, if temperatures rise significantly during the winter, stink bug season can continue well into the winter months. Help protect your home throughout the year with seasonal pest control solutions.
The proper term for “playing dead” is thanatosis, and several insects use this defense strategy, including stink bugs.