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How to Remove Stinkbugs

Stinkbugs are pesky brown insects that have found their way into homes across the country in recent decades. Stinkbugs, typically found in Asia, were introduced to the mid-Atlantic region in the late 1990s. Named for the smell that they give off to defend themselves from predators, these bugs are frustrating because when you try to kill them the odor becomes worse. Stinkbugs hide out in dark, enclosed spaces in your home year round until it is warm, then you'll start to notice them around the house. You'll recognize a stinkbug by its "shield" shape, speckled brown coloring, thin legs and antennae. Remove stinkbugs from your home or any other indoor space before the infestation becomes unmanageable.

Things You'll Need

Vacuum cleaner
Outdoor chemical repellent
Indoor aerosol treatment
Light source

Instructions

- 1
  Use a vacuum cleaner to remove a stinkbug from a wall or corner. Do so with caution, though; approaching a stinkbug may cause it to release its defensive smell.
- 2
  Treat the outside of your home with a chemical repellent. Spray any chemical repellent, such as sumithrin, cyfluthrin, or tralomethrin, onto areas where stinkbugs may gain entry to the house, such as window frames.
- 3
  Treat the inside of your home with an indoor aerosol treatment. These sprays are made to be applied to windows and doors, where bugs can gain entry to the house. Treat these areas once a week.
- 4
  Place a light source in an area where you know stinkbugs are hiding. Stinkbugs tend to hide out in dark, enclosed spaces, but they are attracted to light. By placing a light source near them, you will be able to get them to come out, at which point you can remove them from the home.
- 5
  Contact pest control services if the problem persists or you are unable to entirely remove them on your own.

Insects & Science