The Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Stink Bugs—Permanently

Keep unwanted invaders outside where they belong with straightforward home defenses.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Keep unwanted invaders outside where they belong with straightforward home defenses.

If the crisp air and colorful leaves of fall signal one thing in your home, it’s sadly the return of stink bugs. These persistent, shield-shaped pests show up each year, looking for a warm spot to hunker down. Their sudden numbers and the foul odor they release when threatened or crushed can quickly turn a minor nuisance into a smelly ongoing battle.

What Are Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs, specifically the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), are invasive insects originating from Asia. Accidentally introduced to North America in the 1990s, they are now a common fall pest in households across much of the United States and parts of Europe. Their renowned defense mechanism is the release of a pungent odor from glands on their abdomen when disturbed, squished, or frightened.

Why Are Stink Bugs a Problem?

They invade homes in large numbers, especially in the fall.
They emit an unpleasant, lingering smell when touched or crushed.
They can damage fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants if abundant in gardens.
They do not bite, sting, or cause structural harm but are a significant nuisance.

How to Identify Stink Bugs

Proper identification is key to managing an infestation. Look for these features:

Shield-shaped body, typically brown or mottled gray
6 legs and two antennae with alternating light and dark bands
Size: about 12–17 mm in length (roughly the size of a dime)
Behavior: fly toward light and congregate on sunny exterior surfaces in fall

Stink Bug Habits and Seasonal Cycles

Understanding stink bug patterns can help you stay one step ahead:

In spring and summer, stink bugs are active outdoors, feeding on plants.
In late summer and fall, they look for sheltered places to overwinter and may invade homes.
They are not dangerous to humans or pets, but the smell they emit is a defensive tactic against predators.

How to Prevent Stink Bugs from Entering Your Home

Prevention is your best defense. Follow these steps to avoid a fall invasion:

Seal Entry Points

Inspect Window & Door Screens: Repair or replace damaged screens.
Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use silicone or silicone-latex caulk along windows, doors, siding, pipes, and utility lines where stink bugs might enter.
Weatherstripping: Install or update weatherstripping under doors and around windows.
Chimney and Attic Vents: Install fine mesh or screens to block access.

Reduce Outdoor Attractants

Keep lights off or dim at night: Stink bugs are drawn to light. Use yellow bug lights outdoors if necessary.
Trim plants and shrubs: Keep vegetation and mulch away from your home’s foundation.
Store firewood away from the house: Maintain at least 20 feet distance and 5 inches off the ground.

Manage Moisture and Food Sources

Repair leaking faucets and pipes.
Clean up outdoor debris and standing water.
Store pantry foods in airtight containers.
Regularly empty the trash and clean surfaces of crumbs or spills.

Natural & DIY Remedies to Repel Stink Bugs

If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, these natural repellents can help keep stink bugs at bay:

1. Essential Oils

Mint oil: Mix 10 drops of mint essential oil with 16 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spritz around doors, windows, and entry points.
Lemongrass oil: Has a strong scent that can deter stink bugs. Use similarly to mint oil.

2. Diatomaceous Earth

This natural powder, made from fossilized algae, abrades and dehydrates stink bugs. Sprinkle around baseboards, windows, and entryways—use only food-grade diatomaceous earth and avoid breathing in the dust.

3. Garlic Spray

Mince or crush several cloves of garlic.
Soak in 2 cups hot water; let cool, then strain.
Fill a spray bottle with this liquid and use it to spray window sills, doorways, and other entry points.

4. Soap & Water Trap

Fill a wide-lipped bowl with water and a squirt of dish soap. Place near windows or light sources where stink bugs gather. The bugs fall in and drown.

Safe Stink Bug Removal: What to Do When They’re Inside

Never crush stink bugs inside your home, as this triggers their smell. Instead, try these methods:

Vacuum Them Up

Use a vacuum with a disposable bag to suck up stink bugs you see.
Tip: Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag outdoors to avoid lingering odor.

Manual Removal

Use tissue or paper towel to gently pick up stink bugs and drop them into a sealed container of soapy water.
Flush or discard the container once the bugs have drowned.

DIY Light Trap

Set up a foil pan or shallow tray filled with soapy water.
Place a lamp or desk light over the tray at night in a dark room.
The bugs are attracted to the light, fall into the soapy water, and cannot escape.

When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service

If you continue to see large numbers of stink bugs despite your best prevention efforts, consider hiring a licensed pest control professional. They have access to safe, targeted treatments that can control and reduce an infestation, particularly if bugs have found hidden entryways into your walls or attic spaces.

What NOT to Do: Mistakes That Make Stink Bugs Worse

Don’t squish or crush those bugs indoors. Their defensive odor can linger and attract more bugs.
Avoid chemical aerosols without professional guidance. Many over-the-counter sprays are ineffective and can pose health risks.
Don’t ignore them. Stink bug numbers can rapidly multiply and become harder to remove.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are stink bugs dangerous?

No. Stink bugs do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases to people or pets. Their main defense is their unpleasant smell.

Why do stink bugs invade in the fall?

Stink bugs look for warm, sheltered places to overwinter as temperatures drop. Homes offer just the right environment for them to survive until spring.

How long do stink bugs live inside a house?

If trapped indoors, most stink bugs will die within a few months, though some may survive through winter and try to escape outdoors come spring.

Can stink bugs multiply indoors?

No. The brown marmorated stink bug does not reproduce inside homes. Their eggs are laid outdoors, typically on the underside of leaves in the warmer months.

What happens if my pet eats a stink bug?

Stink bugs are not toxic, but pets may experience mild mouth irritation or drooling due to their secretion. Generally, this passes quickly with no lasting harm.

Summary Table: Stink Bug Prevention & Control Methods

Method	Prevents Entry	Kills Bugs	Safe Indoors	Natural/Non-Toxic
Seal cracks, repair screens	✔️	–	✔️	✔️
Essential oil sprays (mint, lemongrass)	✔️	–	✔️	✔️
Diatomaceous earth	✔️/–	✔️	✔️	✔️
Soapy water traps	–	✔️	✔️	✔️
Vacuuming	–	✔️ (removal)	✔️	✔️
Pest control professional	✔️	✔️	✔️	–

Final Tips for a Stink Bug-Free Home

Be proactive every late summer or early fall. Inspect your home thoroughly for cracks and seal them.
Keep indoor lights dim at night, especially those near doors and windows.
Clean clutter and eliminate moisture to discourage both stink bugs and other pests.
Act quickly if you spot even a few bugs to prevent a larger invasion.

The Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Stink Bugs—Permanently