How To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs With An Overlooked DIY Solution That's So Simple

Stink bugs (Pentatomidae) are some of the worst pests to find in ornamental or vegetable gardens. Whether you come across brown or green stink bugs, or the invasive brown marmorated species, all of these bugs have some notable things in common. First, they all like to feed on a variety of plant leaves, fruits, and buds. According to the University of Missouri Extension, these pests feed on about 400 or more known plants. Needless to say, getting rid of stink bugs is critical to saving plants from feeding damage. While harmless to humans, stink bugs can also invade homes, where they can become a nuisance. Although, you don't need an expensive or complex solution if you find stink bugs on your plants or on the side of your home. One often overlooked DIY method to stink bug removal involves water spray, though it's important to understand some of the limitations with this technique.

Water spraying stink bugs is just as straightforward as it sounds. This method is effective in removing stink bugs from the outside of your home. All that's required is a garden hose with a nozzle to help spray and dislodge the bugs from the desired plant areas. This works whether you're dealing with a couple of stink bugs, or if you've spotted several. Aside from the ease and cost-effectiveness of using water to remove stink bugs, this method doesn't require that you handle the pests by hand. This in itself is a huge win, as stink bugs are notorious for emitting smelly odors when handled.

While water spraying works in a pinch, it won't prevent future stink bugs from feasting on your plants. Even if you spray the bugs off your plants, there's a good chance some may survive and come back. You can think of the method as a quick DIY solution to stop the bugs in their tracks — outdoors only.

Pesticides are not generally recommended for stink bugs, as their mixed results are not worth the potential adverse effects to your family's health and the environment. This includes outdoor spaces, too. Instead, consider the soapy water technique, which involves sweeping or knocking off the stink bugs into a container filled with water and dish detergent or soap. You can use dish detergent to kill the bugs in your garden, as well as those that make their way indoors during the fall season to seek shelter.

Another method for removing stink bugs from inside your home is with a vacuum and hose attachment. Be aware that this may cause parts of the appliance to smell temporarily. It's also a good idea to check around your home for any cracks that stink bugs might sneak through as outdoor temperatures start to cool down. If you're still seeing several bugs despite taking these measures, consider reaching out to a pest control expert for further assistance with getting rid of stink bugs and keeping them out of your home.