Stink Bugs: Uninvited Houseguests

If you haven’t found a stink bug in your home yet, consider yourself lucky. These beetle-like insects sneak inside during fall, slipping through siding, soffits, chimneys, and gaps around windows and doors. Once inside, they hibernate through winter and often buzz around light fixtures.

Why Are They Called Stink Bugs?

Their name says it all. When threatened, they release a foul, pungent odor from their abdomen—far from pleasant.

A Growing Problem

Stink bugs multiply fast, forming large colonies throughout fall and winter. Getting rid of them isn’t easy. In severe cases, you might need an exterminator. But before spending big, try this simple DIY solution.

DIY Stink Bug Spray

According to Farm and Dairy, mix:

• 2 cups of hot water
• 1 cup of distilled vinegar
• ½ cup of dish soap

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray stink bugs directly or target areas where they hide.

Prevention Is Key

The best way to deal with stink bugs? Keep them out. As temperatures drop, they seek warmth indoors. Seal cracks and holes around your home’s foundation, windows, and doors with each seasonal change.