How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs With Essential Oils?
You’re not the only one who is curious about how to get rid of stink bugs. As invasive pests, these stink bugs invade homes and businesses and destroy crops such as apples, pears, corn, peas, tomatoes, peppers, and soybeans.
The pungent smell that stink bugs release when they are frightened or crushed gives them their name.
Stink bugs are said to smell like rotten meat, ammonia, and sulfur by some individuals who are more sensitive to the odor than others.
Regretfully, there is no foolproof method for eliminating stink bugs—organically or otherwise—for both farmers and homeowners. However, there are a few natural methods you can use to keep stink bugs out of your home.
Are Stink Bugs Harmful?
While they do not harm people or pets, stink bugs damage crops. The invasive species have the potential to cause crops millions of dollars worth of harm. They consume decorative plants, fruits, and vegetables by sucking their juice.
Stink bugs are bothersome, but they pose less of a threat to humans. Most stink bugs don’t bite, but occasionally, some might bite if they feel threatened. Although they may irritate people and pets, stink bugs do not threaten human health.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs with Essential Oils
Essential oils are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a do-it-yourself stink bug remedy. Stink bugs find a lot of the smells that essential oils release offensive.
You can make your stink bug repellent with these essential oils. To make the mixture, fill a spray bottle with water and add ten to fifteen drops of eucalyptus, clove, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, mint, or water per cup.
When you see stink bugs in indoor or outdoor areas, give it a good shake and then apply a mist. The same essential oils can also be used to saturate cotton balls, which can then be placed in stink bug-prone areas.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs with Cloves
In your home, scatter a small handful of whole cloves on doormats, windowsills, and the areas surrounding doors.
If the issue is severe, buy clove oil and use it on most external doors and windows. Clove oil will eradicate stink bugs, while whole cloves will deter and shield against them.
However, keep in mind that clove oil can be toxic to even helpful insects, so use clove oil sparingly and first look for dried cloves.
More Ways to Repel Stink Bugs
Do you prefer not to use essential oil or cloves? Not an issue. There are multiple methods for eliminating stink bugs. But first, evaluate the extent of the insect infestation.
If you need assistance assessing your situation, give a pest control professional a call, and they’ll point you in the right direction. If not, consider the following advice:
1. Seal your home properly. Determine the point of entry if your home has become infested with stink bugs. Once the area or areas have been located, caulk them up or replace the window screens as necessary.
Check areas such as siding, windows, doors, and chimneys. It might be necessary to get professional assistance for this.
2. Empty counters. We should not store fruit in bowls until the stink bug issue has been resolved. Stink bugs find this to be a very appealing snack. Additionally, remove any moisture from your counters.
3. Apply additional natural repellents. Garlic is potent enough to repel stink bugs even though it doesn’t smell clean. A few fresh garlic cloves should be crushed and placed in a tray on your windowsill.
4. Think about utilizing the diatomaceous earth of food grade. The Farmers’ Almanac recommends dusting windowsills and entryways with diatomaceous earth.
This powdery white substance is the fossilized remains of phytoplankton and has a potent insecticidal effect.
This will destroy any insect that has an exoskeleton, so use a different tactic if you want beneficial insects to survive. Additionally, ensure the product is food-grade so that people and pets can safely use it.
Why are there So Many Stink Bugs in My House?
First, scientists worry about an explosion in the number of stink bugs as a result of milder winters. This implies that more stink bugs will enter your house through tiny gaps or cracks and search for food behind baseboards, on countertops, and in the foliage of indoor plants.
One stink bug’s aroma will draw the attention of another, and another, and another. When it comes to preventing stink bugs from entering the home, prevention is key.
Block any points of entry by keeping an eye out for any cracked seals or openings for windows, vents, and doors.
Be advised that stink bugs can also enter through gaps in the foundation that aren’t sealed, as well as around the chimney. After you’ve sealed the openings, go inside to chase the stink bugs away.
Using any of these remedies highlighted above will help you get rid of those nasty stink bugs away from your home. Remember to put all precautions in place to avoid any relapse in the future.
