If you want to get rid of stink bugs, stink bug control begins with knowing your enemy. Stink bugs are in the order Hemiptera, which includes many other insects, such as assassin bugs and plant bugs. These insects all share common traits like piercing mouthparts and wings with soft tips and hard bases. Some species of stink bugs feed exclusively on plant materials, while others feed primarily on pests such as caterpillars.

While stink bugs are typically harmless, their unwelcome presence and pungent odor can be a nuisance for any homeowner. If you have a problem with these pesky pests, we are here to help you learn how to get rid of stink bugs effectively.

stink bug on a wall

What attracts stink bugs to your house?

These unwelcome guests are primarily attracted to two things: warmth and light. During the winter, they seek shelter from the cold and can be drawn to your home's warmth. Their attraction to light can also lead them to congregate near windows or doors, especially at night, as they mistake artificial lights for sources of warmth. Stink bugs will also often congregate on the south side of houses due to sun exposure and warmth.

Understanding these attractions is crucial when considering how to get rid of stink bugs, as addressing these factors can disrupt their entry and reduce their presence within the home.

Why you shouldn't squish stink bugs

It’s not uncommon that someone’s first reaction when they see a bug is to want to squish it—especially when that bug is in your house. But when it’s a stink bug, squishing it or greatly disturbing it could prompt it to release the foul odor it was named after. Here are a few quick facts to help you identify stink bugs so you know not to squish it when you see it:

  • Stink bugs are roughly half an inch long, and a third of an inch wide.

  • Stink bugs have a distinct, triangularly shaped back that is often compared to a shield.

  • The invasive brown marmorated stink bug is usually entirely brown with some white stripes on the antennae and around the edge of its body while other stink bug species normally range in shades of green and brown.

Stink bugs release the odor through holes in their abdomen, and the foul smell can often linger on whatever it’s near. So, the first step to get rid of stink bugs in the house without the smell is to resist your initial instinct to kill a stink bug on the spot.

Stink bug prevention

If you’re struggling with how to get rid of stink bugs from your home, the first step to getting rid of them is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Cracks around windows, doors, and even vents can be entry points for these unwelcome guests. Here are some easy steps you can take to keep these pesky pests from entering your home:

  • Ensure all doors have weather strips and door sweeps, especially if you can see daylight around the perimeter.

  • Rake all debris and vegetation away from your home's foundation.

  • Seal up all cracks and possible points of entry around your home’s foundation

  • Use steel wool for larger gaps around plumbing pipes that can’t be caulked.

  • Place screens on vents, windows, and doors

  • Seal and secure crawl space entrances

  • If your home has a fireplace, place a cap or screen at the top of the chimney

  • Hire a pest management service to treat your home.

It’s also important to note that you should avoid using a vacuum to get rid of stink bugs, as the pungent odor they emit may stick and essentially ruin your machine.

Stink bug control services

One of the most common species of stink bugs in the United States is the brown marmorated stink bug. Getting rid of stink bugs of this species – as well as other types of stink bugs – mainly involves removing the insect’s prime harborage areas. It may also involve the use of pesticides, which should be handled by pest management professionals.

If you have a stink bug infestation, the quickest way to get rid of them is with a professional pest control service like Terminix! Our team of expert technicians knows how to get rid of stink bugs and can help prevent them from returning. Terminix technicians understand stink bug behavior and can provide you with the most effective solutions for your situation. Don't let stink bugs take over your home – contact us today to learn more about our stink bug control services.

Terminix technician in front of a car