If you’re like most homeowners, you’ll do whatever it takes to keep your garden looking beautiful all year round. And if you’ve ever had to deal with stink bugs in the garden, you know just how frustrating and overwhelming they can be! These little pests can quickly take over your garden and make it difficult for you to enjoy your outdoor space. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of stink bugs in the garden. We’ll cover everything from identifying the pests to implementing effective control methods. So read on for tips and tricks that will help you get rid of these pesky critters once and for all!
What Are Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are small, shield-shaped insects that are around ½ an inch long. They get their name from the fact that they can release a foul smelling liquid when they feel threatened. This liquid is used to deter predators and can also cause skin irritation in humans. Stink bugs are usually brown or green in color and have distinctive markings on their backs. Although they are considered to be pests, stink bugs do not bite or sting and are generally harmless to humans.
Stink bugs feed on a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They use their piercing mouthparts to pierce the plant tissue and suck out the juices. This feeding damage can cause deformities in fruits and vegetables, making them unmarketable. In addition, stink bugs can transmit plant diseases as they feed.
Although they are native to Asia, stink bugs have been accidentally introduced into the United States.
Stink bugs are most active during the day and are attracted to light-colored surfaces. You may find them congregating on the sides of buildings or on your window sills. In the fall, stink bugs will begin to look for places to overwinter. This is when they are most likely to enter homes and become a nuisance pest. [1]
Why You Should Deal With Stink Bugs in Your Garden
Being so common, stink bugs are often considered as pests, and for a good reason. Although they don’t transmit diseases to humans, their feeding habits can devastate crops. In addition, their foul-smelling liquid can cause skin irritation in some people.
If you have a garden, it’s important to take steps to prevent stink bugs from damaging your plants. Here are a few reasons why you should deal with stink bugs in your garden.
They can harm your plants
Stink bugs get their name from the foul-smelling liquid they release when threatened. However, this isn’t the only way they can harm your plants.
These pests feed on a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They use their piercing mouthparts to pierce the plant tissue and suck out the juices. This feeding damage can cause deformities in fruits and vegetables, making them unmarketable. In addition, stink bugs can transmit plant diseases as they feed.
While most stink bug species don’t pose a major threat to crops, there are a few that can cause significant damage. The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), for example, is considered a serious agricultural pest in the United States.
They can get inside your house
Stink bugs are attracted to light-colored surfaces, so you may find them congregating on the sides of buildings or on your window sills. In the fall, stink bugs will begin to look for places to overwinter. This is when they are most likely to enter homes and become a nuisance pest.
While they won’t’ deal any serious damage to your home, stink bugs can be a nuisance. Their foul-smelling liquid can stain surfaces in your home, and their mere presence can be unsettling for some people.
Once inside, stink bugs can be difficult to get rid of. They tend to hide in cracks and crevices, making them hard to reach with pesticides. In addition, stink bugs can release their foul-smelling liquid indoors, which can make your home smell bad. [1]
How to Prevent Stink Bugs in Your Garden
Prevention is always the best method to avoid any type of pest, including stink bugs. Here are a few ways you can prevent them from ever becoming a problem in your garden.
Seal all the potential entryways
Stink bugs are determined to get into your home and garden. To prevent them, you’ll need to block all the potential entry points they could use. Check around doors, windows, and any cracks or holes in your foundation or exterior walls. Use a quality sealant to close up these openings.
You should also check screens on doors and windows to make sure they are secure and without holes. Stink bugs can slip through even the smallest gaps. In addition to blocking their entry into your home, you’ll also want to take measures to keep them out of your garden specifically.
Make sure to repair any damaged screens on your doors or windows. Stink bugs can squeeze through small holes in screens, so it’s important to have them in good condition.
Doing this will also help to keep other pests out of your home, such as ants, flies, and mosquitoes.
In addition to blocking their entry into your home, you’ll also want to take measures to keep them out of your garden specifically.
One way to do this is by planting certain herbs and flowers that repel stink bugs. Some examples include marigolds, catnip, lavender, mint, and basil. You can also plant these around the perimeter of your
Screening off the garden with netting or row covers can be effective in keeping stink bugs away from your plants. Just be sure to remove the netting or row covers when you need to pollinate your plants or they won’t be able to produce fruit.
Keep your garden clean
Another way to keep stink bugs out of your garden is by maintaining it properly. Keep weeds and debris cleared so there are fewer places for them to hide.
You should also avoid using too much mulch in your garden as this can attract stink bugs. If you must use mulch, choose a type that doesn’t appeal to them. [1]
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in the Garden
Finally, if you have stink bugs in your garden, you’ll need to take action to get rid of them. The first step is to identify the plants that are most affected. These will be the ones that you need to focus on treating.
Once you’ve identified the plants that are being damaged, you can start working on getting rid of the stink bugs themselves. There are a few different methods you can use and we will dive deeper into them right now!
Use pheromone sprays
One way to get rid of stink bugs is by using pheromone sprays. These sprays mimic the stink bug’s natural pheromones and lure them into a trap. You can find these traps at most hardware or garden stores.
To use a pheromone spray, simply follow the instructions on the label. Be sure to cover all of the affected plants, as well as any areas where you’ve seen the bugs congregate. The spray will need to be reapplied every few days, but it should eventually get rid of all of the stink bugs in your garden.
Another option is to make your own pheromone trap. To do this, you’ll need a container, some paper, and some tape. Cut a small hole in the lid of the container and insert a piece of paper. Tape the paper in place so it doesn’t fall out.
Now, put some water in the bottom of the container and add a few drops of dish soap. The dish soap will break the surface tension of the water and the stink bugs will be drawn to it. They’ll crawl in and drown.
You’ll need to empty the container and add fresh water every few days, but this is a cheap and easy way to get rid of stink bugs.
Spray galic spray
Another way to get rid of stink bugs is by spraying them with garlic spray. This is a natural repellent that will keep the bugs away from your plants. To make garlic spray, simply combine equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Then, add a few cloves of minced garlic and shake well. Spray this mixture on your plants every few days, or as needed.
You can also add other ingredients to this spray, such as neem oil or essential oils. These will help to further repel the stink bugs and keep them away from your plants.
Spray kaolin clay around the base of plants
One organic method you can use to get rid of stink bugs is kaolin clay. Kaolin clay is a natural clay that has been used for centuries. It is safe to use around children and pets, and it is an effective way to get rid of stink bugs in the garden.
This powdery white substance that you can find at most garden stores. It works by coating the stink bugs and suffocating them.
To use it, mix two tablespoons of kaolin clay with one gallon of water. Then, pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected plants. Be sure to coat the underside of the leaves where the stink bugs are feeding. You’ll need to reapply this every few days or after it rains until the stink bugs are gone.
Invite beneficial bugs to your garden
Stink bugs have a lot of natural predators, so one way to get rid of them is by inviting these predators into your garden.
Another predator you can invite into your garden is the lady beetle. Both adult lady beetles and their larvae will eat stink bugs. You can purchase these online or at a garden center as well.
Another method you can use to get rid of stink bugs is to encourage birds to visit your garden. Birds are another one of the stink bug’s predators and will help keep their population in check.
You can attract birds to your garden by hanging bird feeders and houses as well as providing water for them to drink and bathe in.
Attract them with damp towels
One method to attract and trap stink bugs is by using damp towels. You’ll need to wet some towels and then place them around the perimeter of your garden. The stink bugs will be attracted to the moisture and they’ll crawl onto the towel. Once they’re on the towel, you can simply fold it up and dispose of the bugs. This method won’t work for every stink bug, but it’s worth a try!
Install traps
One of the most common ways to get rid of stink bugs is by using traps. This method works by luring the bugs into a trap where they will then be stuck and unable to escape.
There are a few different types of traps that you can use, but one of the most popular is the bucket trap. To make one of these, you’ll need a bucket, some water, and some soap.
Simply fill the bucket with around an inch or two of water and add a few drops of dish soap to it. The soap will break the surface tension of the water, which will cause the stink bugs to sink when they try to land on it.
You can then place this trap near any plants that are being affected by the bugs. Check it every few days and empty it out when necessary.
Another type of trap that you can use is a light trap. These work by attracting the bugs with a light source and then trapping them.
You can buy commercial light traps, or you can make your own using a regular household lamp. Simply place the lamp near any affected plants and leave it on overnight. In the morning, you can check the area around the lamp for any trapped stink bugs.
Another option to trap stink bugs is by using sticky traps. You can buy these at most hardware or home improvement stores. Or, you can make your own by coating cardboard with petroleum jelly or other sticky substance. Place the traps near the plants that are being affected. Check the traps regularly and dispose of the bugs in soapy water.
You can also try using a vacuum cleaner to suck up the stink bugs. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately after so the bugs don’t escape.
If you have a lot of stink bugs, you may need to use more than one method to get rid of them. Try a combination of these methods until you find what works best for your situation!
Use organic pesticides
Pesticides are another option for getting rid of stink bugs. However, you need to be careful with these since they can also kill beneficial insects.
If you decide to go this route, make sure to use an organic pesticide. This will help reduce the risk of harming other insects or animals. There are a few different types of organic pesticides that you can use.
One option is to use neem oil. This is derived from the neem tree and it works by disrupting the hormones of stink bugs. This will prevent them from being able to reproduce, which will eventually lead to their demise.
As with any pesticide, be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Be sure to apply the pesticide evenly over all affected areas. You may need to reapply the pesticide every few days, but eventually it should get rid of all of the stink bugs in your garden.
Try insecticidal soap
Insecticidal soap is a great way to get rid of stink bugs on plants. It works by smothering the bugs and causing them to dehydrate and die.
Insecticidal soap is a specially formulated potassium fatty acid soap that is effective in controlling many soft-bodied insects and mites, including aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, psyllids, mealybugs and scales. Insecticidal soaps work by penetrating the insect’s protective outer shell (cuticle), causing dehydration and death.
Insecticidal soaps must come into direct contact with the pests to be effective and most formulations will only kill on contact; they do not have residual activity. This means that repeated applications may be necessary to achieve long-term control.
Insecticidal soaps are relatively safe to use and have little impact on the environment when used as directed. They are often preferred over synthetic pesticides because they break down quickly, pose minimal risks to human health and non-target species, and are effective against a wide range of pests.
Use diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a great option for getting rid of stink bugs in the garden. All you need to do is apply it to the affected area and wait for the bugs to come into contact with it.
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-occurring sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than three microns to more than one hundred microns, making it capable of absorbing oils and grease. This makes it useful as an abrasive in cleaning products.
Diatomaceous earth is also known as fossil shell flour, kieselgur, and diatomite. It consists of the fossilized remains of diatoms, or oceanic unicellular algae. Diatoms are over 30 million years old and are formed from the skeletons of these single-celled plants. They have a hard outer shell made of silica that protects their cells and allows them to float in the water.
Diatomaceous earth has a variety of uses, including as an abrasive, absorbent, and anti-caking agent. It is also used in filtration, as a mild desiccant, and to make dynamite.
The most common use for diatomaceous earth is as an insecticide. When dry, it can be dusted on plants to kill pests like aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and mites. It works by puncturing the exoskeletons of these insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. Diatomaceous earth can also be mixed with water to create a slurry that can be sprayed on plants.
Diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and animals, but it can be harmful to insects.
Pick them up by hand
This is probably the most tedious method, but it can be effective if you have a small infestation. Just go out to your garden and start picking them off of the plants. Make sure to wear gloves so you don’t get their smell on you!
You can also try using a vacuum cleaner to suck them up. This is a bit more efficient, but it can still take some time.
Contact a pest control professional
If you have a serious infestation, it might be best to contact a pest control professional. They will be able to identify the source of the problem and get rid of the bugs for you. This is usually the most expensive option, but it is often the most effective. [2],[3],[4]
FAQ
Do stink bugs bite?
Stink bugs do not bite humans. However, they can release a foul-smelling liquid from their abdomens as a form of defense. This liquid can cause skin irritation in some people.
What kills stink bugs instantly?
There are a few things you can do to kill stink bugs instantly. The easiest way is to use a spray made of soapy water. You can also use rubbing alcohol or an insecticide.
If you have stink bugs in your home, you can vacuum them up and then dispose of the bag immediately. This will kill the bugs and get rid of them quickly. You can also try using a fly swatter or your hands to squish them. This isn’t always the most effective method, but it will work in a pinch.
What is a natural way to get rid of stink bugs?
Stink bugs can be a real nuisance in the garden, and they can be difficult to get rid of. However, there are a few natural methods that you can use to try to control them. One method is to plant certain plants that repel stink bugs. These include marigolds, petunias, and lavender. You can also try using traps made from plastic bottles or boards with double-sided tape. Finally, you can also try making a homemade spray by mixing water and dish soap.
What are stink bugs attracted to?
Stink bugs are attracted to many different types of plants, but they seem to prefer certain vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and beans. They also like fruits like apples and peaches.
What do stink bugs eat? Stink bugs use their long beak to pierce the skin of fruits and vegetables and then suck out the juice inside. This can cause the fruit or vegetable to become discolored, misshapen, or even dead.
How do you get rid of stink bugs in the ground?
Stink bugs are attracted to light, so they are often found near windows. To get rid of stink bugs in the ground, keep your yard free of debris and clutter. You can also use a perimeter spray around your home to deter them from entering. If you have plants that are attracting stink bugs, try using an insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.
Useful Video: How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs – The Grumpy Gardener
Conclusion
Stink bugs are a common problem in gardens, but there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. You can use chemical pesticides, but these can be harmful to other animals and plants. Another option is to trap them with sticky traps or vacuuming them up. However, the best way to get rid of stink bugs is to prevent them from coming into your garden in the first place. No matter what method you choose, be sure to check your garden regularly and remove any stink bugs you find. If everything else fails, you can always call an exterminator. If you have any questions or would like help getting rid of stink bugs, please contact us and we’d be happy to assist you further. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/brown-marmorated-stink-bug
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/stink-bug-control.htm
- https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/disease-and-pests/get-rid-stink-bugs/
- https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/garden-pests/stink-bugs/