How To Get Rid Of Stinkbugs For Good (And Keep Them Out!)
Stinkbugs are more than just a nuisance, they’re an invasive species! Both in your home and in your local ecosystems. They often sneak into your home when the weather starts to cool, and if you’ve ever crushed one by accident, you know why they’re named that way. Stink bugs don’t bite, but they do invade in numbers, and their smell is unmistakable. Thankfully, with the right mix of prevention, control, and awareness, you can get rid of stinkbugs for good and keep them out for good, too.
Seal Up Cracks and Gaps
Stinkbugs can slip into your home through the tiniest cracks. Check around windows, doors, vents, siding, and utility lines. Use silicone or silicone-latex caulk to seal up any gaps you find, and add weather stripping where air leaks through. This is one of the most important things you can do, especially before fall hits, since if you can keep them from getting in, you’ve already won half the battle.
Repair or Replace Screens
Window and door screens are often the weak point in an otherwise sealed home. A small tear is more than enough for stinkbugs to enter through. Inspect screens for damage and patch any holes right away. Make sure they fit tightly, especially around the edges. If your attic or crawlspace has vents with screens, check those, too. Stinkbugs are good at finding that one place you forgot to seal up.
Vacuum, Don’t Squash
When you see a stinkbug inside, don’t crush it. That releases its odor, which not only smells, but it can attract even more of them to your home. Instead, use a vacuum with a bag to suck them up. Once collected, take the bag out and dispose of it in a sealed outdoor bin. This keeps your home from smelling and removes the bugs without making the situation worse.
Use a Light Trap
Stinkbugs, like many insects, are drawn to light. Set up a simple trap with a desk lamp and a tray of soapy water nearby. Leave it overnight in a dark room where you’ve seen activity. The bugs will head toward the light, fall into the water, and be stuck there. It’s a safe, simple method that works especially well during early fall when bugs start to appear indoors.
Keep Outdoor Lighting Down
Since stinkbugs are attracted to light, outdoor fixtures near doors and windows can draw them in. Try turning off porch lights at night or switching to yellow “bug” bulbs, which are less attractive to insects. Close blinds or curtains in the evening so indoor lights don’t invite them in either.
Clear Away Yard Debris
Stinkbugs often gather on plants, woodpiles, and clutter around your home before they try to come inside. Rake leaves, move firewood away from the house, and keep plants trimmed back before it becomes overgrown. The cleaner your outdoor space, the fewer bugs you’ll have near your walls and windows looking for shelter.
Use Essential Oils
Certain scents can actually keep stinkbugs away. Mint, clove, and lemongrass oils are natural repellents. Mix 10–15 drops with water in a spray bottle and mist entry points like window sills, baseboards, and door frames. It won’t eliminate an existing infestation, but it can make your home less appealing and help prevent new bugs from coming in.
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Getting rid of stinkbugs for good takes consistency, but it’s absolutely doable. Start with prevention, act early in the season, and don’t wait until your walls are crawling. Once you’ve sealed your home and made it less welcoming, you’ll see fewer bugs over time. Stick with it and you won’t just get rid of stinkbugs, you’ll keep them gone.
Daniel Mitchell
