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If you live in Middle Tennessee, you’ve probably come across a stink bug or two, especially when the weather starts to cool down. These little guys love to sneak into warm houses in the fall, cozy up inside your walls for the winter, and then reappear in the spring when it’s time to head back outside. If you’ve ever tried to get rid of them, you know they don’t go down easily! So why are they so tough to deal with and what can you do about it? We’ve rounded up answers to the most common stink bug questions to help you keep them out for good.
Why Are Stink Bugs So Hard to Get Rid Of?
Are stink bugs hard to kill?
Stink bugs can be hard to eliminate for a couple of reasons. First, they have a tough exterior. This not only makes it difficult to squish them, but it also helps them stay resistant to many pest control products.
Second, they’re good at evading people. When they get into your house, they’ll be out in your living spaces for a few days, but their ultimate goal is to find a wall void, attic space, or other secluded area. This means that of the stink bugs you see in your house, many more are already hidden away.
Why can’t you squish a stink bug?
You can squish a stink bug, but once you do, you’ll probably wish you hadn’t. Stink bugs got their name for a reason. When you smash stink bugs, they emit a …stink! If you don’t care about the odor, you can go ahead and squish them, but if you don’t want your house to smell bad, you’ll want to find another way to get rid of these pests.
What happens if I touch a stink bug?
Stink bugs don’t just give off an unpleasant odor when squashed. They also give off that scent when they feel threatened. If you touch a stink bug, it’s likely that they’ll leave their scent behind as they try to get away from you.
Should I Be Afraid of Stink Bugs?
Do stink bugs bite humans?
Stink bugs do not bite humans. They don’t sting either.
Are stink bugs aggressive?
Stink bugs are not aggressive. They prefer to be left alone and will release a foul odor if they feel threatened, but they won’t try to attack you.
Will a stink bug crawl on me?
Stink bugs can fly, so the most likely way one will come into contact with you is if it accidentally lands on you. If this happens, it might crawl on you, but it won’t bite, sting, or otherwise harm you. The worst thing that would happen is that it would feel threatened and release its unpleasant odor.
Should you be afraid of stink bugs?
There is no reason for you to be afraid of stink bugs. Other than the bad scent they can give off, they pose no danger, threat, or safety concerns for humans.
What Attracts Stink Bugs to Homes?
What will attract stink bugs?
Stink bugs are attracted to homes primarily in the fall as they look for a warm place to shelter during winter. They will be drawn to the warmth of your home and may gather on exterior south-facing walls on sunny days. Once there, they can find small gaps or holes that allow them to enter your house.
Other things that attract stink bugs are lights and food smells.
Why are they called stink bugs?
Stink bugs got their name from the unpleasant odor they release when they feel threatened or are squished. The scent they give off has been compared to a variety of odors, from cilantro to skunk spray to burnt rubber.
What odor attracts bugs?
Because they feed on the fluids in fruits, vegetables, and other plants, stink bugs are attracted to the odors of fruits, vegetables, and decaying organic matter.
DIY Solutions People Try (and Why They Often Fail)
What smell do stink bugs hate?
Although they may be drawn to the smell of fruits, vegetables, and other plants, some plant scents stink bugs dislike. Strong scents tend to repel them. These scents include garlic, peppermint, and citrus. Because of this, many people try to use essential oils with these scents to get rid of stink bugs. However, this rarely does anything more than drive the stink bugs to areas of your house where essential oils aren’t being used.
Can stink bugs survive water?
Stink bugs can survive in water for a while, but not indefinitely. Eventually, if they can’t make their way out of it, they’ll drown. Many people use soapy water to drown stink bugs because it disrupts their ability to float. Although this will eliminate the stink bugs that you catch, it does nothing to eliminate all of the stink bugs that are hiding out of reach in your house.
What Kills Stink Bugs Instantly?
What kills stink bugs instantly?
As mentioned above, soapy water will kill stink bugs fairly quickly. You can squash stink bugs to kill them or vacuum them up and dispose of the vacuum bag.
The problem with all of these methods is that they only kill the stink bugs you target. They won’t get to the root of the problem to get rid of the bugs in your walls and around your property. This means that despite your best efforts, if you don’t take a preventative approach to stink bug control, they will continue to return each fall and spring.
Does flushing a stink bug kill it?
If you flush a stink bug, it’s likely to die. There’s a small chance that it could survive its journey, but even if it does, it will end up far away from your house. However, all of the other stink bugs in your house will still be alive and well.
Can stink bugs fly?
Stink bugs can and do fly.
How Professional Pest Control Gets Better Results
If you’ve ever searched online for ways to get rid of stink bugs, you’ve probably seen a bunch of DIY tricks. The problem? Most of them only deal with the bugs you can see and not the ones already hiding out in your walls or attic. Plus, they won’t do much to stop new ones from sneaking in.
That’s where we come in. At All-American Pest Control, we take a smarter, more thorough approach to stink bug control. We’ll start by inspecting the spots these pests love to hide, like your walls, attic, crawl space, and around the outside of your home. This helps us find exactly where they’re getting in and hanging out.
From there, we use targeted methods that reach those tucked-away places DIY just can’t touch. With years of training and experience under our belt, we know how to treat stink bugs effectively and how to keep them from coming back. Our seasonal services help keep things under control for the long haul, so you can enjoy a stink bug–free home, season after season.
When to Call a Pest Expert
Are stink bugs driving you crazy? Here are some of the signs that it’s time to call the professionals at All-American:
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You have annual sightings of these pests every fall or spring
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You’re dealing with odors or stains from crushed bugs
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You keep finding stink bugs near lights, ceilings, or outlets
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Your DIY methods haven’t worked
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You want long-term peace of mind
Let All-American Get Rid of Your Stink Bug Problem for Good
Stink bugs can be tough to deal with. Sure, squashing the ones you see might feel satisfying in the moment, but if you don’t tackle the root of the problem, they’ll just keep coming back. Our experienced team knows exactly how to find where stink bugs are hiding and how to get rid of them for good. We take the time to do the job right, so you can enjoy a stink bug–free home without the stress. Want eco-friendly options? We’ve got those, too; with our green pest control services and our Complete Care bundle. Ready to get started?
Request your free home evaluation today!
Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts
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: Columbia, Mount Pleasant, Spring Hill, Summertown, Williamsport, Culleoka, Hampshire, Santa Fe, Ashwood, Bigbyville, Campbells Station, Fly, Fountain Heights, Hopewell, Pleasant Grove, Sawdust, Scotts Mill, Screamer, Silver Creek, and the surrounding 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 online.