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Noticing grayish-brown, shield-shaped bugs creeping around your home? You’re not alone. These pests are stink bugs, and while they don’t bite, they do release an unpleasant odor when crushed. That makes squishing them one of the worst ways to deal with them.
So, how do you handle stink bugs indoors without the smell? At All-American Pest Control, our experts have a few simple tips to help you keep your home stink-bug-free.
Why You Shouldn’t Squish Stink Bugs Indoors
It’s no coincidence these pests are called stink bugs. When crushed or threatened, they release a strong odor designed to keep predators away. Unfortunately, that same defense mechanism can leave your home smelling less than pleasant.
Homeowners describe the odor in different ways—some say it’s like burnt rubber, others compare it to skunk spray, and a few even claim it smells like cilantro. No matter how you describe it, one thing is certain: it’s not a smell you want lingering inside your house.
Even worse, squishing a stink bug doesn’t just release its stench—it can actually attract more stink bugs into your home. That’s why the best way to handle them is with methods that don’t involve crushing.
What to Do If You See a Stink Bug Inside
If you shouldn’t squish them, what should you do if you see stink bugs inside your Tennessee home? You have a couple of options. If you can, gently guide them into a cup before releasing them outside. Your other option is to vacuum them up and discard the vacuum bag as soon as you’re done.
We recommend avoiding touching them with your bare hands in case they release their odor. The last thing you want is to have the scent lingering on your skin.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bug Smell Fast
The smell that stink bugs release can linger for quite a while, sometimes just an hour, other times a few days. It really depends on where they’ve left it behind. For example, fabrics tend to hold onto that odor longer than a smooth surface that you can quickly wipe clean. If you’re dealing with the stink, here are a few ways to freshen things up:
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Open windows and use fans for ventilation
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Clean affected surfaces with a mix of vinegar and water
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Use baking soda and citrus sprays to help absorb and mask the smell
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Wash affected fabrics on a hot cycle
If you can still smell it, the good news is that it will eventually fade. You shouldn’t have to deal with the odor for more than a few days at most.
Is the Smell Harmful to People or Pets?
Although it’s highly unpleasant, the odor given off by stink bugs is not toxic. In rare cases, it may irritate sensitive individuals or pets with respiratory issues, but most stink bug odors pose no long-term health risks.
Where Do Stink Bugs Hide Indoors?
Stink bugs get inside in search of a place to overwinter. Usually, they’ll find their way into attic spaces or wall voids. However, during the time between being outside and finding their shelter for the winter, you’re most likely to find these pests in the following areas:
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Around windows and window sills
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On curtains
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On walls
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Behind baseboards
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On floors near windows
Once they get inside, stink bugs can survive indoors for months if undisturbed. You’re most likely to see them in the fall when they move in, on unseasonably warm winter days, and in the spring when they move back outside.
How to Stop Stink Bugs from Getting Inside
In order to keep stink bugs out of your house, you have to seal off the entryways that allow them to get inside. This isn’t as easy as it sounds, since even small cracks can let them in. Try:
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Sealing entry points around doors, windows, vents, and utility lines
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Using door sweeps and weather stripping to cover gaps around windows and doors
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Repairing damaged window screens
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Considering professional perimeter treatments in early fall
What Is a Natural Repellent for Stink Bugs?
Considering the strong scent they give off, it’s kind of ironic that stink bugs dislike other strong smells, but they do. Essential oils like mint, clove, and citrus can deter stink bugs, as can a white vinegar spray.
Although natural solutions can help keep stink bugs away from the immediate areas where they’re used, they won’t eliminate the stink bugs; they’ll simply repel them. Furthermore, natural repellents have to be reapplied often to remain effective.
Instead of using these solutions as standalone treatments, we recommend combining them with the exclusion techniques listed above and professional perimeter treatments. If you prefer natural solutions, All-American’s Green Choice Pest Control provides eco-conscious treatments that actually eliminate stink bugs.
Should You Kill Stink Bugs Indoors?
Due to the unpleasant odor when squished, we don’t recommend killing stink bugs inside. Instead, trap and release them or vacuum them up. Better yet, get proactive treatments to avoid having them show up in your house in the first place!
When Are Stink Bugs Most Active in Tennessee?
Stink bugs are most active in the fall as they seek warm shelter. This is when you’ll see large groups of them on the sides of your house and find them inside your living spaces. They’ll show up again in the spring when they’re ready to move back outside. Because fall is the time of year when they move into homes in Tennessee, it’s also the time of year when preventive pest control is most effective at keeping them out of your house.
Contact All-American Pest Control for Stink Bug Control
If you’ve been seeing stink bugs in your house, or if you want to avoid the issue entirely, contact All-American Pest Control. Our Complete Care pest control treatments are designed to protect homes from stink bugs and over 57 other common pests. Not only will we eliminate the stink bugs that are already active in your house, but we’ll make sure they don’t become a recurring issue each fall and spring. Contact us today to get started.
Need to Get Rid of Stink Bugs? Reach Out!
Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Areas
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Brentwood, Centerville, Fairview, Thompson’s Station, Arrington, Leiper’s Fork, Windstone, Westhaven, McKay’s Mill, Ladd Park, Rizer Point, Silver Stream, Annandale, Canterbury, Governors Club, Avalon, Laurel Brooke, Belle Vista, Lockwood Glen, Lookaway Farms, Maplewood, McLemore Farms, Meadowview Estates, College Grove, Franklin, Nolensville, Primm Springs, as well as the entire Williamson County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation today.