With the arrival of fall, the color of the leaves starts to change, the air becomes crisp, and the nights become cooler. But there’s one thing that happens in fall that homeowners dread — the arrival of stink bugs. These bugs typically enter homes during cooler months to find a warm place to spend the winter, and they can produce a very unpleasant smell in your home.
Using an odor eliminator is the best way to get rid of stink bug odor. Airing out the room and cleaning the surfaces that came into contact with these bugs also helps to remove the foul smell. To keep stink bugs out of your home, be sure to seal off entry points and replace damaged windows.
Although stink bugs don’t represent a property or health risk, they often enter structures in large numbers, making it quite difficult to control them. Let’s find out what stink bugs smell like and how you can get rid of stick bugs before they become an infestation. We’ll also tell you about some preventive measures that you can take to repel these bugs.
What Do Stink Bugs Smell Like?
Stink bugs release a nasty odor whenever they’re disturbed or feel threatened or stressed. The stink bug smell is actually a chemical that these bugs release from their abdominal glands. There are different kinds of stink bugs, and some even spray this chemical a few inches away from their bodies.
Different people describe the stink bug smell in different ways. Some say that it’s similar to skunk emission, while others compare it to the smell of burnt cilantro or tires. According to some people, this smell also has an earthy, woody, or musty aroma.
Although most people agree that stink bugs produce an unfavorable smell, how you perceive the smell depends greatly on the specific bug species and your personal sense of smell.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bug Odor
If you’ve ever smashed a stink bug, then you must’ve smelled the foul odor they give off. Even after you dispose of the stink bug, you’ll likely still be able to smell the unpleasant odor they’ve released.
Although difficult to remove, with the right tools you can easily and effectively get rid of this smell:
Use an Odor Eliminator
The best way to remove a foul smell from your home is by overpowering it. You can make your own powerful odor eliminator by soaking a cotton ball in peppermint oil or lemon extract.
Now place this damp cotton ball into a glass jar with holes drilled in its top. You can also use freshly ground coffee in a similar manner.
Air Out the Space
Ventilate your home by opening as many windows as you can. Get rid of the smelly, stale air and let the fresh air into your home. You can also make a DIY deodorizer for your furnishings by mixing together baking soda, mild dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide (on Amazon).
Clean the Surfaces of Contact
If you get the foul smell of stink bugs on your hands, then you should wash your hands immediately to remove this smell. Scrub the area repeatedly with some toothpaste and then wash them in warm water.
If this doesn’t remove the smell from your hands, then take a bowl of water and put a little lemon juice in it. Then, soak your hands in the solution for a couple of minutes.
How to Repel Stink Bugs
With the following steps, you can effectively keep these smelly bugs away from your home:
Seal Entry Points
Carefully inspect your home to locate the easy access points. Pay special attention to areas behind chimneys, underneath the wood fascia, and around utility and siding pipes. Seal off every hole and crack using a good quality silicone-latex caulk (on Amazon) to ensure proper stink bug control.
Turn Off Lights
Lights attract stink bugs, which is why it’s best to reduce outdoor lighting to a minimum. Turn off the porch lights and close the window blinds in the evening so that the light doesn’t reach outside the windows.
Replacing your outdoor lights with yellow bulbs (on Amazon) is also recommended as stink bugs don’t find these very attractive.
Replace and Repair
Replacing or repairing damaged screens keeps the stink bugs out of the house. Remember to check for loose mortar and torn weather stripping. You can also invest in door sweeps if necessary.
Eliminate Moisture Sites and Food Sources
Eliminating all moisture buildup helps to prevent your home from stink bug infestation. Make sure you check for clogged drains and leaking pipes.
Another excellent method that helps repel stink bugs is restricting their access to food. Dispose of garbage properly in sealed bags and store food in airtight containers. Also, wipe down your kitchen counter and clean the floor regularly to eliminate any residual crumbs.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Properly ventilating attics, garages, crawl spaces, and basements helps to eliminate harborage points. It’s best to use a dehumidifier (on Amazon) in these areas. Installing screens over attic vents and the chimney also helps homeowners repel the stink bugs.