Looking for a way to stop stink bugs from coming inside your house this fall?
Ever since being accidentally introduced into the U.S. a few decades back, the stink bug population has spiraled out of control. And it only continues to worsen with each passing year! The pest is now thought to be in 44 of the 50 states – with no signs of stopping.
The biggest issue with stink bug population control is that there are very few natural predators. For the most part, birds leave them alone. As do almost every other insect eating animal or organism. Making matters worse, they can be hard to kill with sprays as well.
Getting Indoors – How To Keep Stink Bugs Out Of Your House
The stink bug gets its name from the foul smelling scent it can release. Much like a skunk will do, the stink bug lets out quite the unmistakable scent when it is startled or scared.
Although stink bugs can cause damage to plants as they feed, the real issue with these armor bodied insects is that they seek shelter indoors in mid to late fall before the cold of winter arrives. And they do so in large numbers. Very large numbers!
One thing stink bugs cannot handle is frigid temperatures. And if they can’t find a warm place for the cold months, they will indeed freeze out. But here is the real issue – they are very good at finding those “hiding” places. And when they do, they release a chemical trail to let other stink bugs know how to follow it to get in.
That of course is the bad news. But there is some hope. In fact, with just three simple secrets, you can at the very least keep these pests out of your home in the fall. But the key to real success is acting fast – before they start finding their way in to hide!
3 Secrets To Keep Stink Bugs Out Of Your House This Fall!
#1 – Sealing Entry Points
The number one way to stop stink bugs is to seal up your house. And the tighter the better! Stink bugs can squeeze through the tightest of cracks and openings. That includes small tears and rips in screens, and getting in around unsealed windows and doors.
A fast and easy way to fix screen opening is with screen repair tape. It can cover holes in seconds and stop an easy entry point. Affiliate Product Link: Black Window Screen Repair Tape, 2 in X 30 FT
The best place to start is to repair any holes in screens. Next, be sure to caulk around doors and windows. Last but not least, check garage door seals. Old, worn out seals are another easy access point for all kinds of insects, including stink bugs.
Beyond that, it’s also important to check key areas where stink bugs like to get in. One of the easiest is through unscreened vents. That includes house vents, dryer vents – and wall air conditioners that allow stink bugs to enter. And remember, once they do enter, they will leave a chemical trail behind for many more to follow!
#2 Using An All Natural Repellent / Insecticide – How To Keep Stink Bugs Out Of Your House
Beyond sealing off any small cracks and openings, using a second line of defense in the form of a repellent and insecticide is a great idea. The good news is that you don’t have to rely on sometimes questionable sprays if you want to go the all natural route.
As it turns out, mint happens to be a great repellent against stink bugs. The strong scent is good at keeping them away. Even better, there are now some all natural mint sprays on the market that not only help repel, but also eliminate stink bugs in the process. Affiliate Link: Mighty Mint Insect & Pest Control Plus – Natural Mint Oil Insect Killer Spray, 1 Gallon
To use, spray around all entry points where stink bugs can enter. Many even spray the foundation outside of their home to help keep stink bugs away. The spray also helps keep out many other unwanted insects looking for a warm place to stay for the winter.
You will need to reapply every few weeks to keep it effective. If using outdoors around windows and doors, reapply after heavy rains as well.
#3 Watch What You Bring Indoors! How To Keep Stink Bugs Out Of Your House
Last but not least, be very careful not to give stink bugs a free lift inside. Stink bugs are incredibly adept at hiding in clothing, blankets, umbrellas and more. And when you bring them indoors, they come right along with them!
In the fall, check all clothes before bringing them inside. If you put clothes out on a clothesline, be sure to check them carefully. The same goes for a sweatshirt or jacket that you may have taken off and left outside. If you live in an area with stink bugs – rest assured a few will be hiding inside!
This extends to tables, lawn chairs and any other object that might be brought back indoors after being outside for any period of time. Check in, underneath and on everything. You truly will be amazed at how many stink bugs can hide out!
Here is to keeping stink bugs out of your house this fall – and for good! For more info on keeping out unwanted insects, check out our article: How To Keep Spiders Out This Fall – 5 Great Natural Ways To Deter Spiders!
Simple Garden Life
Follow Our Facebook Page For Even More Great Tips! Simple Garden Life Facebook Page
Simple Garden Life is a website dedicated to keeping gardening fun, simple and enjoyable! We publish two new articles each week along with a new garden podcast episode every two weeks. This article may contain affiliate links.