Even the name itself can make your skin crawl – stink bugs! Just hearing the word can make you feel itchy. If you have ever had the unfortunate pleasure of encountering one of these smelly pests, you know exactly why they got their name.
Stink bugs release a foul odor when they are crushed or threatened, and this can quickly fill up a room if there are a lot of them. And while they don’t carry any diseases,
they can still be a nuisance in your home. The smell is just the beginning – they also like to feast on your plants, which can quickly ruin a garden.
If you are unlucky enough to have these bugs invading your home, don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to help you get rid of them. One of the easiest and most effective methods is to use essential oils.
To know how to get rid of stink bugs with essential oils, Continue reading!
What Is A Stink Bug?
Originally believed to have originated from China, the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorphahalys) is an invasive species that has become a problem in many countries, including the United States.
These pests are about ¾ of an inch long and ¼ of an inch wide and are brown in color with mottled markings.
Studies suggest that these bugs were accidentally introduced into the United States in the late 1990s.
They likely arrived in containers or shipments from Asia. Since then, they have quickly spread across the country and are now found in at least 35 states.
They are most active during the late summer and early fall when they are looking for a place to overwinter.
This is when they are most likely to find their way into your home. Once they are inside, they can be very difficult to get rid of.
Which Essentials Oils Help To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs?
Thanks to their potent aroma, essential oils can be very effective in getting rid of stink bugs. These oils are rich in compounds that are toxic to insects but safe for humans and pets.
Some of the best essential oils for getting rid of stink bugs include
- Peppermint Essential oil: – Peppermint oil is one of the most effective essential oils for repelling and killing stink bugs. The strong scent of peppermint confuses and disorients the bugs, making it difficult for them to stay in one place. In addition, the oil can kill them on contact.
- Lavender Essential oil: – Lavender oil is another oil effective at repelling stink bugs. The scent is pleasantly fragrant to humans but can be overwhelming and irritating to bugs. This essential oil is also known to be toxic to stink bugs, so they are not likely to survive if they come in contact with it.
- Tea Tree Essential oil: – Tea tree oil is a natural insecticide and can effectively kill stink bugs. It also has anti-bacterial properties that help cleanse an area infested with these pests.
- Eucalyptus Essential oil: – Eucalyptus oil is another insecticide that can be used to get rid of stink bugs. It has a strong scent that is unpleasant to the bugs and can kill them on contact.
- Citronella Essential oil: – Citronella oil is best known as a mosquito repellent, but it can also be effective at repelling stink bugs. The strong scent confuses and deters the bugs from coming near. It is not as effective as some of the other oils, but it can be used in combination with them.
Read: When should you throw out essential oils?
How To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs With Essential Oils
Getting rid of stink bugs with essential oils can be done in a few different ways. You can use the oils individually or in combination to create your own bug-repelling blend.
To use essential oils to get rid of stink bugs, follow these steps:
Step 1: – Choose The oil or oils To work With
Start by choosing the kind of oil you will use for this project. You can choose according to the scent or according to the properties of the oil.
For example, clove oil would be good if you want a strong, pungent smell. Make sure you work with something that will not irritate you or the people around you.
Read: How to make perfume last longer with Vaseline
Step 2: – Make A Bug-Repelling Blend
Once you have chosen the oil or oils you will be using, make a bug-repelling blend. To do this, simply add 10-15 drops of the oil or oils to a diffuser and diffuse throughout the room.
You can also add it to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz around the room.
Be sure to test the spray on a small area first to ensure it does not irritate your skin.
Step 3: – Apply The Blend
Now that you have made your bug-repelling blend, it’s time to apply it. If you are using a diffuser, simply turn it on and let it do its job. If you are using a spray bottle, spritz the mixture around the room, avoiding any surfaces that the oil could damage.
You can also apply the oils directly to your skin. This is especially effective if you will be outside and want to keep the bugs away. Just make sure you avoid contact with your eyes and do not ingest the oils.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to reapply the oils every few hours to maintain their effectiveness.
Read: Which essential oils are good for sinusitis?
Frequently Asked Questions Essential Oils on Stink Bugs
Why do Sting Bug invade homes?
There are a few reasons why these pests may invade your home. They could be looking for a warm place to spend the winter or looking for food. They may also be trying to escape the cold weather.
Can essential oils kill stink bugs?
Yes, essential oils can kill stink bugs. They work by confusing and deterring the bugs from coming near. The oils can be applied directly to the bugs or diffused throughout the room.
How long do I need to use essential oils to get rid of stink bugs?
How long you need to use the oils will depend on your chosen method. If you are diffusing the oils, you will need to do it every few hours to maintain their effectiveness. If you are applying them directly to your skin, you will need to reapply every few hours as well.
Essential oils are a great way to get rid of stink bugs. They are safe to use and can be applied in various ways. Be sure to reapply them every few hours for the best results.
If you were having doubts about handling bugs, this article on how to get rid of stink bugs with essential oils should have clarified a few things for you!