How do you deal with stinkbugs?

Stinkbugs

Gardening is a great way to get out in nature and enjoy a hobby. The joy of gardening can however be quickly taken away when an unwelcome pest shows up, like the notorious stink bug. Stinkbugs not only pose a risk to the plants, but they have an unpleasant odor that can linger long after they’ve gone. Luckily, there are ways to deal with stinkbugs and keep your garden pests-free. In this article, we’ll discuss what stinkbugs are, why they are in your garden, and how you can deal with them.

A Stinkbug Cheatsheet

1. Prevention:

🚪 Sealing cracks & gaps
🌿 Removing weeds & debris
🌸 Planting repellent flowers

2. Natural Deterrents:

🔥 Garlic spray
🌶️ Chili pepper solution
🌱 Neem oil

3. Manual Removal:

🧤 Wear gloves & pick them up
🧹 Use a vacuum cleaner with a sock over the nozzle
🛄 Dispose in soapy water

4. Traps and Barriers:

🪤 DIY traps with light & soapy water
🛑 Sticky barriers to prevent entry
🕷️ Encourage natural predators

5. Professional Help:

🦟 Call a licensed pest control
👨‍🔬 Seek advice from agricultural extension services

6. Staying Positive:

🌞 Remember stinkbugs don't transmit diseases
🍅 Protect crops with fine mesh netting
💪 Share tips with friends!

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What attracts these pests to my garden?

Stinkbugs are attracted to ripe fruits, vegetables, and certain plants. They seek moisture and warmth.

How can I prevent them from entering my garden?

Use row covers to shield plants. Seal cracks in fences and garden beds. Remove weeds regularly.

Are there any natural predators?

Yes, birds, spiders, and parasitic wasps prey on stinkbugs. Encouraging these can help control the population.

What organic methods are effective?

Handpick and squash stinkbugs. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Plant trap crops like okra.

When is the best time to inspect for them?

Early morning and late afternoon. Stinkbugs are less active and easier to spot.

How do I safely dispose of them?

Collect and drown in soapy water. Avoid crushing them indoors to prevent releasing the odor.

Can they harm my plants?

Yes, they feed on sap, causing discolored, deformed fruits and leaves.

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!

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