Looking for a few foolproof methods to stop stink bugs from getting into your house this fall?
One thing is for sure – as soon autumn arrives, so do the stink bugs! In fact, in the last week, we went from seeing a few stink bugs here and there, to witnessing hundreds all around the exterior of our house searching for a way indoors to survive winter.
Depending on what part of the country you live in, the tiny insects with a hard shield on their back can be all but overwhelming. Both in the sheer number of their population, and their relentless pursuit to find a place to overwinter indoors.
When the cooler temperatures of fall settle in, stink bugs come out by the thousands. Or better put, by the hundreds of thousands. And all of them are looking for the same two things – mates, and a warm place to ride out the frigid temperatures of winter.
How To Stop Stink Bugs From Getting In Your House
Unfortunately, stink bugs have very few natural enemies or predators. And there are very few sprays that have proven to be 100% effective.
It’s bad enough that a few stink bugs find a path inside. But what makes it worse is when they do, they emit a scent for other stink bugs to follow to join them. For other stink bugs, the chemical trail allows them to follow the exact same path to get indoors and wait out winter.
So how do you stop them from coming indoors? Quite honestly, it can be a challenge. But as you will see below, there are a few ways to win the battle – and it starts with prevention.
How Stink Bugs Get In – How To Stop Stink Bugs From Getting In Your House
Stink bugs can enter a home through the tiniest of holes. And once they do, they are amazingly adept at finding small nooks, cracks and crevices to hang out all winter long. The biggest key of all to keeping them out is to eliminate their entry points.
It is also vital to keep hiding spots indoors to a minimum. After all, if they can’t hide – at least you can evict them easily. And perhaps best of all, there are now some great natural sprays that can also help to both kill and repel these pests to help keep them out!
With keeping stink bugs out of your house in mind – here is a look at a few simple steps to success!
Using Mint To Keep Stink Bugs Out – How To Stop Stink Bugs From Getting In Your House
One product that does seem to be quite effective is mint oil. Not only does its strong scent repel a long list of pests that include stink bugs, some natural products with this as the main ingredient can actually kill the pests too.
It can be sprayed at all entry points and around windows and casings to provide a barrier to keep stink bugs, spiders and more out of your house. Best of all, it’s safe to use around pets and children! Affiliate Product Link: Mighty Mint Insect & Pest Control Plus – Natural Mint Oil Insect Killer Spray, 1 Gallon
But beyond using any spray – the biggest key still lies with preventing the easy paths that stink bugs can find to get indoors.
Preventing Stink Bug Entry – How To Stop Stink Bugs From Getting In Your House
First and foremost, in the fall, always be careful what you bring inside from the outside. Stink bugs love to hitch a ride in on blankets, firewood, clothes and more. That includes clothes hanging out on a clothesline.
Many of us head outdoors to enjoy autumn’s beauty with a bag full of blankets, sweatshirts and sweaters, and stink bugs have an uncanny ability to crawl in and cuddle up too. They also love to sneak indoors inside of hose reels, patio furniture and other items that many folks bring inside for winter protection.
Make it a practice to shake clothes and blankets out before taking inside. Check anything and everything you bring in first. You will be amazed at how many stink bugs might be hiding, just waiting for the chance to come join you inside!
This is also a great practice for not allowing other critters (like mice) to find a home indoors too!
Check Those Screens! How To Stop Stink Bugs From Getting In Your House
Next, check all of the window screens in your home. Repairing and or replacing faulty screens is your best first line of defense.
Look for holes or slits, and make sure the rubber gaskets holding them in place are secure. These are easy entry points for stink bugs, and for all insects for that matter. In addition, make sure screens close properly and tightly in their tracks.
Over time screens can bend and twist, creating wide open gaps that stink bugs can easily crawl through. If you are not in the mood to spend time and money on repairs, you can patch screen holes with screen repair tape. It is an inexpensive way to fix unsightly holes – and keep stink bugs out this fall!
Caulk Windows And Doors – How To Stop Stink Bugs From Getting In Your House
Cracks in your doors and windows are also a favorite entry point for stink bugs. Walk around your home and garage and inspect all trim areas around doors and windows.
If you spot any gaping holes or cracks, fill them up fast! Sealing these off with a fresh layer of caulk will go a long way in keeping stink bugs from entering. It also can save big on your wintertime heating bills, keeping air out as well.
Silicone caulking is a great choice, it is pliable and will keep the areas sealed and weatherproofed. Caulking and sealing takes only minutes, but the benefits can be immense!
Door Seals and Jams – How To Stop Stink Bugs From Getting In Your House
While on the topic of windows and doors, don’t forget door seals and door jams. They are easy marks for stink bugs to get inside as well. Stink bugs love to crawl in through the edges and bottoms. If your doors already have seals, check to make sure they are intact and sealing off the exterior properly.
If none are present, this is a great time to install them. Much like with caulking trim, you not only eliminate an opening for stink bugs, it also will help keep the cold winter air out too. Product Link : Door Sealing Strips
Remember, the best defense against stink bugs is to keep them outside for winter. They have great difficulty surviving when temperatures drop low, and if you can keep them outdoors, you can also help to keep their population in check.
Here is to keeping your home safe from stink bugs this fall and winter! For more on keeping pests out, check out our article: How To Use Cinnamon To Keep Mice Out Of Your House – 3 Ways To Stop Mice With Cinnamon! Jim & Mary
Old World Garden
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
As always, feel free to email us at thefarm@owgarden.com with comments, questions, or to simply say hello! You can sign up for our free email list in the subscribe now box in the middle of this article. Follow us on Facebook here : OWG Facebook. This article may contain affiliate links.