02/07/2026
Here is help for the spring .... you're welcome
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
Inside, stink bugs tend to congregate on upper floors and in tight spaces. That’s why they often tuck into drapery folds and walk along the tops of walls. It’s why they mass in attics and crawl spaces above garages. So what do you do when you spot a stink bug on the move inside? It’s best to deal with them one by one. Try one of these techniques.
1. Use Essential Oil
Kill two birds with one stone by making your house smell great even as you are banishing stink bugs. Mix 10 drops of mint essential oil with 16 ounces of water and spray at interior entry zones like windows and doors.
2. Neem Oil
This plant-based natural insecticide may take a week or so to work since it interferes with bugs' instinctual behaviors. Combine 32 ounces water and two teaspoons neem oil and spray at stink bug entry points like windowsills.
3. Spread Diatomaceous Earth
This earth-friendly pesticide powder made from natural rock can be placed at entryways like doors and windows both inside and outside and breaks down the stink bug’s protective exoskeleton so they eventually die of dehydration.
Buy Supplies
Peppermint Essential Oil 2oz
$14
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Plantonix Neem Bliss Pure Neem Oil
$24
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Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth
$16
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4. Garlic Spray
Combine two cups water and four teaspoons of garlic powder or a handful of garlic cloves and spray on indoor windowsills where stink bugs are likely to enter your home.
5. Vacuum the Critters
For bad infestations, some homeowners buy a small shop vac dedicated for stink bug use. You can also use a vacuum you already have, but proceed with caution with this tip. This method only works for vacuum cleaners with bags. And you’ll need to throw the bug-filled bags away immediately to prevent a stink bomb from developing.
6. 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. Combine equal parts hot water and dish soap in a spray bottle and spray on windowsill entry points.
7. Fly Tape at Entryways
While it isn’t the prettiest of methods, strips of fly tape spread on windowsills and at other entryways will catch these critters.
8. Safeguard Your House
Prevention is key in combatting these critters. Caulk all cracks and crevices where bugs can enter. Place fine mesh over air vents to keep bugs from trying that sneaky alternative entryway.
9. Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheet odor offends stink bugs, so rubbing dryer sheets on window screens or at home entry points can be a great way to keep bugs at bay.
10. Sticky Pad
Cover a dry sweep mophead with a sticky lint remover sheet, and use it as a long-handled stink bug catcher. It’s perfect for grabbing any high-climbing bugs.
11. Night Light
Before bed, fill a wide pan with soapy water and place it in the room with the most stink bugs. Place a small light so it hangs over the dish. Overnight the stink bugs will flock to the light, fall into the suds and drown.
Avoid Chemical Insecticides
It’s tempting to douse the stinkers with an all-purpose insecticide, but few actually work to kill these bugs (they often raise from the dead a few days later). Also, if you do manage to kill them, their bodies may attract other insects to feed on them.
How To Keep Stink Bugs Out
Stink bugs typically gather on warm, west-facing walls and enter buildings via cracks and crevices. Once they find an ideal spot, they release pheromones, chemical signals that beckon more stink bugs to join the party. Your best bet is to keep them out in the first place. Here are some tips and tricks.
1. Block Points of Entry
Use caulking to replace cracked seals around utility entry points, doors and windows. Inspect joints where two different materials meet, like wood and concrete block or wood siding and brick. Caulk the cracks as needed.
2. Check Doors
Look over weather stripping and sweeps on doors, including the rubber seal on garage doors. Replace as needed.
3. Inspect Screens
Check for holes and patch as needed. Make sure the screens fit tightly into their space. Rub screens with dryer sheets — some homeowners say it works to keep the bugs from blanketing screens.
4. Squish Some
Some homeowners report that if they squish a few stink bugs where they start to gather, it seems to repel other ones. Some folks even whip up a stink bug spray (stink bugs and water in a blender, strain out any solids) that, when sprayed on a home, seems to help deter the bugs.
