How do you deal with stinkbugs?

How Do You Deal With Stinkbugs?

Stinkbugs. Even saying the name makes my nose wrinkle. These flat-bodied little invaders can wreak havoc on your garden and your sanity, but there’s no need to panic. Let’s break it down.

What Are Stinkbugs, and Why Are They in My Garden?

Identifiable by their shield-like bodies, these pests aren’t just ugly; they’re hungry. Stinkbugs love fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. If they’ve set their sights on your tomatoes or squash, you’ll know—misshapen fruit and discolored leaves are their calling card.

They’re not native to the U.S. The brown marmorated stinkbug, the most common culprit, hitchhiked its way here from Asia. Thanks to a lack of predators, it’s thriving.

Do Stinkbugs Actually Stink?

Oh, yes. Crush one, and it releases a pungent odor akin to cilantro left in the sun too long, mixed with regret. This smell is their defense mechanism. Don’t squish them unless you’re prepared for the aftermath.

How to Control Stinkbugs Without Losing Your Mind

1. Start with Prevention

• Seal cracks and crevices: These bugs are like squatters. They’ll find any nook to overwinter in your home or garden shed. Caulk those gaps and fix those screens.
• Remove hiding spots: Piles of wood, weeds, or debris near the garden are like five-star hotels for stinkbugs. Keep it clean.

2. Handpicking (Yes, Really)

If the infestation is small, I’ll often handpick them off my plants. It’s not glamorous, but it works. Fill a bucket with soapy water and drop the bugs in. The soap disrupts their surface tension, and they drown quickly.

Pro tip: Wear gloves. Not for protection, but because it’s gross.

3. Use Traps (Smart Ones, Not Gimmicks)

Forget those cheap traps from big-box stores. DIY works better. Set up a light trap: a pan of soapy water under a desk lamp at night. Stinkbugs are drawn to the light, fall in, and can’t escape.

If you want to go high-tech, some gardeners swear by pheromone traps, but position them far from the garden. These attract stinkbugs en masse, so placing them close can backfire.

The University of Maryland Extension found that light traps captured 14 times more stinkbugs than DIY sticky traps. Efficiency matters.

4. Sacrificial Plants

This is a strategy I’ve used with surprising success. Grow a plant stinkbugs love, like sunflowers or mustard greens, at the edge of your garden. They’ll flock to the decoy, leaving your prized crops untouched.

Destroy the sacrificial plant before they can migrate to the rest of your garden. Ruthless, but effective.

5. Neem Oil and Natural Predators

Neem oil disrupts the stinkbug life cycle, making it harder for them to reproduce. Spray it on affected plants early in the season. Just don’t overdo it—too much neem can harm pollinators.

Speaking of pollinators, encourage beneficial insects. Wasps, praying mantises, and ladybugs all see stinkbug eggs as breakfast. Plant dill, fennel, or marigolds to invite these helpers.

6. Row Covers

For vegetables like beans and peppers, lightweight row covers can act as a physical barrier. Use them before stinkbugs arrive, not after. Once they’re under the cover, it’s like locking the wolf in with the sheep.

Why Not Just Spray Them?

Broad-spectrum insecticides can kill stinkbugs, but they’ll also harm the good guys—bees, butterflies, and other allies. Avoid chemical warfare unless it’s a last resort.

If you must spray, look for pyrethrin-based options and apply them sparingly. Even then, don’t expect miracles. Stinkbugs are notoriously resilient.

What About Stinkbugs Indoors?

Stinkbugs looking for winter lodging indoors are an entirely different headache. Vacuum them up with a dedicated bagless vacuum and empty it outside immediately. Don’t squash them unless you like the smell of misery.

Consider a stinkbug-specific trap for indoor use. These are quieter, cleaner, and far less odorous than a bucket of soapy water.

Patience Pays Off

Let me tell you, stinkbugs aren’t going anywhere. They’re not a problem you solve; they’re a problem you manage. Stay vigilant, experiment with different methods, and learn what works for your garden.

And if all else fails? Maybe learn to love cilantro.

Stinkbugs may present challenges for gardeners, but thankfully with the right knowledge and tips, these pests can easily be managed. With the proper identification, preventative measures, and appropriate pest control methods, any gardener can take back control of their garden and enjoy the summertime fruits of their labor!