On the surface, stink bugs are a relatively innocuous pest. They do not bite, they do not swarm, and they do not have an appearance that strikes fear in others. They’re a simple little insect that looks as gentle as it is. But stink bugs also have a horrendous odor – and that odor can make them a nuisance. Stink bugs release this odor when they are afraid, and the odor is even more pronounced when they are killed.

Removing Stink Bugs

Because of this odor, squishing these insects like you would normally isn’t advised. Ideally, you want to try to help these insects move out by taking them outside and letting them free in the wild. The following are some strategies you can try that may help you remove stink bugs from your property without harming them:

• Trap Them in a Glass – One of the simplest ways is to try to trap them inside of some type of glass cup. Whenever you see one on a wall, grab a glass container and gently place it over the insect until it’s covered. Then slip some type of paper underneath to cover it, take the glass outside and let it free away from the property.

• Dog Poop Bags – Another risky strategy is to try capturing the stink bugs with dog bags. Place them over your hand and gently glide it over the stink bug. Once you have it, grab the stink bug with the bag, close it, and tie it as quickly as possible. A small amount of smell may still be released, but you should be able to avoid the stench. Make sure you dispose of it outside, or dump the insect out.

• Soapy Water – Stink bugs cannot swim. If you place a big of dawn dish detergent in a bucket of water and flick the stink bugs inside, they’ll sink to the bottom. There you can let them drown, or you can take the water outside and dump it out near the curb to allow the insect to live.

All of these tactics could result in a little bit of smell being released, but once inside your home that stink is always a risk. These strategies will at least reduce the risk of accidentally releasing too much of a stench, and should help your home stay free of the terrible odor.

However, a professional pest management company, like Green Pest, may be your best strategy for ensuring your home stays free of stink bugs all throughout the year. If you are in need of stink bug removal, make sure you call Green Pest today to receive a free inspection and $50 off your first treatment.