How to Keep Stink Bugs Away

When the weather starts to cool in Lake Oswego, homeowners often notice unwelcome visitors clinging to their siding or sneaking indoors: stink bugs. These shield-shaped insects aren’t dangerous to humans or pets, but they release a foul odor when disturbed or crushed, which makes them one of the most unpleasant seasonal pests to deal with.

If stink bugs have made themselves at home on your walls, windows, or inside your living spaces, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This guide explains why stink bugs show up, how to keep them out, and the most effective ways to deal with them without making the smell problem worse.

Why Do Stink Bugs Come Into Homes?

Stink bugs, especially the brown marmorated stink bug, are an invasive species that have become common in Oregon. Originally from Asia, they now thrive in the U.S. and are well-known for seeking shelter inside homes as temperatures drop.

In spring and summer, stink bugs live outdoors, feeding on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. But as the weather cools in the fall, they search for warm, sheltered spots to overwinter. Your Lake Oswego home provides the perfect refuge, with cracks, gaps, and crevices offering easy entry points.

Once inside, stink bugs go dormant until warmer weather returns, but their presence can be frustrating and foul-smelling if disturbed.

How to Prevent Stink Bugs From Entering

The most effective way to deal with stink bugs is to stop them before they get inside. Prevention focuses on sealing entry points and making your home less inviting.

• Seal cracks and gaps: Use silicone or foam caulk to close off openings around windows, doors, siding, chimneys, and utility pipes.
• Check weatherstripping and door sweeps: Replace damaged or worn-out materials to eliminate gaps under doors.
• Repair window and door screens: Ensure screens fit tightly and are free from holes.
• Close attic and foundation vents: Cover with fine mesh screening where ventilation is still needed.
• Reduce outdoor lighting: Stink bugs are attracted to light, so consider using yellow “bug lights” outdoors instead of bright white bulbs.
• Inspect deliveries and firewood: Stink bugs sometimes hitchhike inside boxes, grocery bags, or bundles of firewood.
  

Taking these steps in late summer or early fall is key, since that’s when stink bugs are most actively searching for overwintering sites.

What to Do If You Find Stink Bugs Indoors

Despite your best prevention efforts, some stink bugs may still make their way inside. If that happens, here’s how to handle them without triggering their odor:

• Vacuum them up: Use a vacuum to collect stink bugs and dispose of the bag or empty the canister outside immediately.
• Avoid crushing them: Squashing stink bugs releases their odor and can leave stains on surfaces.
• Trap them: Place soapy water in a container under a bright light; stink bugs are attracted to light and may fall into the water, where they cannot escape.
• Dispose carefully: Collect bugs in tissue or paper and flush them down the toilet or seal them in a plastic bag before throwing them away.
  

It’s important not to panic if you see a few stink bugs indoors during winter. They’re usually inactive and not reproducing inside your home.

Outdoor Control for Stink Bugs

Managing stink bugs outdoors can reduce the number that try to enter your home. Some strategies include:

• Remove vegetation near your home: Keep bushes, weeds, and tall grass trimmed back from siding.
• Inspect siding and rooflines: Stink bugs often gather in sunny, sheltered areas. Spraying them off with water can discourage clustering.
• Check for nests or clusters: While stink bugs don’t nest in the traditional sense, they often congregate in the same places. Removing these groups early can lower pressure on your home.
• Consider professional treatments: A pest control technician can apply safe, targeted treatments around your home’s exterior to create a protective barrier.
  

Why DIY Methods Aren’t Always Enough

Homeowners often try DIY methods like essential oils, sticky traps, or home sprays to deter stink bugs. While these may provide temporary relief, they rarely address the root of the problem. Stink bugs are persistent, and even a few entry points can result in dozens inside your home.

Additionally, chemical sprays from the store often aren’t effective against stink bugs once they’re indoors, and improper use can create risks for your family or pets. Professional pest control ensures treatments are effective, safe, and long-lasting.

Keep Stink Bugs Out With Natura Pest Control

At Natura Pest Control, we understand how frustrating stink bugs can be. Our team specializes in eco-friendly, science-based treatments that keep pests out without harming your family or the environment.

Here’s how we help:

• Detailed inspections to locate entry points and areas of activity
• Custom prevention plans based on your home and property
• Seasonal treatments timed to when stink bugs are most active
• Friendly, reliable service from a locally based team you can trust
  

By combining prevention with targeted treatments, we make sure stink bugs don’t stand a chance.

Stink bugs may not bite, sting, or cause structural damage, but their foul odor and seasonal invasions make them a headache for Lake Oswego homeowners. The key to control is prevention—sealing your home before they move inside. For those that do sneak through, careful removal and professional pest control are the best ways to ensure long-term relief.

Ready to reclaim your home from stink bugs? Natura Pest Control offers safe, eco-friendly treatments that stop stink bugs before they move in. Serving homes across Lake Oswego and surrounding Oregon communities, our expert team is here to protect your family’s comfort and peace of mind. Call today or request a free quote online to get started.