Stink bugs are a common nuisance in many areas, and they can be especially troublesome when they get into your car. Not only can they leave an unpleasant odor they can also damage your vehicle’s interior.
Whether you are facing their problem or want to prevent one, we have some help for you here. This article will discuss some of the best ways to keep stink bugs out of your car and protect these pesky pests from returning.
Stink bugs are the last insect anyone wants around their environment — talk less of inside their car. Not only do these critters release an offensive odor when in a place they will also make you uncomfortable in several ways.
If they won’t allow you to enjoy your vehicle in peace, here are some deterrent strategies to keep them away:
- Spray essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, clove, peppermint, etc.
- Install bug screens on your windows.
- Spray Diatomaceous earth around your garage.
- Keep your car clean and inspect it often for dents, cracks, and crevices.
The next sections will discuss several ways to prevent stink bug attacks and repel them in case of one. But first, let us look at what these insects look like and how they can get into your car.
What Do Stink Bugs Look Like?
Stink bugs are tiny insects that are black, brown, and tan. They have white markings on their wings and abdomen. They also have a long beak-like mouthpart and grow to about ½ to ¾ inch long.
They have six legs, two antennae, and triangular backs. The adult bug is oval, with a rounded abdomen.
Enough about what stink bugs look like. Now let’s look at possible ways they can enter your car.
How Do Stink Bugs Get Into My Car?
Stink bugs can enter a car through openings around the door frames, sunroofs, windows, and vents. They will enter your car through an open door, especially when it rains or snows.
Stink bugs hide inside cars at night when temperatures are warm enough to survive outside for long periods. They will also hide under loose materials inside your vehicle until they emerge again for another carrion meal (meat).
They can also come into your car in bags, boxes, or clothing. Additionally, they can enter your vehicle through other animals, such as birds or mice.
If you love to drive with your windows down in stink bug season, best believe some stinkers will find their way into your vehicle.
Also, if you have a damaged car cabin filter, stink bugs can pass through it to enter your vehicle.
6 Ways To Keep Stink Bugs Out of Your Car
We all know the feeling of getting into our car on a hot summer day only to see a swarm of angry, buzzing stink bugs. How annoying!
These pests love the warmth of cars and can quickly sneak inside through minor cracks and crevices. Once they are in, they can be hard to deter. To make matters worse, they stink.
But, with the right strategies, you can send them away from your car and prevent them from re-entering. Below, we will walk you through some practical and easy-to-deploy stink bug-repelling ideas:
1. Keep Your Car Clean
Keeping your car clean will prevent many unwanted creepy insects from coming close to it. Stink bugs love to stay around dirt and debris, so a clean vehicle is less likely to attract them.
Both your car exterior and interior should always be clean. You should wash your car regularly. If your schedule does not leave you with enough time to do that yourself, you can engage the services of vehicle cleaners.
Besides regular cleaning, you can also maintain practices that will keep your car clean for longer. Avoid eating or spilling food inside your vehicle. Take all trash out of your car and put it in a trash bin.
2. Inspect Your Car Regularly
As much as you check oil levels, water levels, and the overall functioning of your car, you should also check for faults on your car’s exterior.
Look out for dents, cracks, and crevices through which stink bugs can sneak in. Fix them as quickly as you can.
During stink bug season, you should also check out your car when you park it. Ensure you close all of the windows and vents properly.
3. Use a Bug Screen
A bug screen is a mesh made of plastic or rubber material. You can attach it to your window while it is open. This can help keep stink bugs (and other pests) out of your car.
If you love to drive with your windows down, you can attach a bug screen to your windows. It will keep the stink bugs away and let fresh air in.
4. Use Insecticide
Another way to prevent stink bugs from entering your vehicle is to apply insecticides before leaving them outdoors.
You can do this overnight while on vacation or on a business trip. This will allow the Insecticide to work and the smell to subdue before you use your vehicle again.
This is especially important if you have been storing items like plants or carpeting inside your vehicle during cold weather months.
5. Spray Essential Oils
Essential oils keep insects away because of their strong and overpowering smells.
Some essential oils you can use against stink bugs are lavender, eucalyptus, clove oil, peppermint oil, etc.
Whichever one you choose to use, you can mix it with warm water and dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake the mix properly and spray it inside your car.
6. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder-like insect repellent. It works well in deterring several insects and will instantly keep stink bugs away.
You cannot put it inside your vehicle to avoid inhalation and ingestion. However, you can spray it in your garage or any area where you usually park your car. This way, the stink bugs will not come close to your parked vehicle.
The above methods will keep the stink bugs away. But how can you remove them if they are in your car already?
You will find some ideas in the next heading:
How To Remove Stink Bugs From Your Car
If you already have some stink bugs flying inside your car, don’t fret.
There are a few ways you can send them packing. Some include:
1. Vacuuming
Vacuuming your car is a great way to remove stink bugs from your vehicle.
Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to reach into your car’s nooks and crannies.
Pay attention to the air vents and crevices around the seats and dashboard.
After vacuuming, remove the vacuum bag and dispose of it properly.
2. Cleaning
Cleaning your car’s interior is another great way to remove stink bugs.
A damp cloth wipes down the seats, dashboards, and other interior surfaces.
Use suitable cleaning solutions and disinfectants. This will help remove any eggs or debris the bugs may have left behind.
3. Trapping
Several traps are available to help remove stink bugs from your car.
Pheromone traps are sure to attract stink bugs and trap them inside.
Sticky traps are also available, and you can place them inside the car to catch any bugs that may be hiding.
4. Natural Remedies
You can use natural remedies against the stink bugs invading your car.
Spraying vinegar and water on your vehicle’s interior surfaces can help repel the bugs.
You can also try placing cloves or garlic around your car’s interior, as these have a strong smell that can help repel the bugs.
5. Seek Professional Help
If you have tried all of the above methods and still have a stink bug problem, it may be time to call in a professional.
A pest control expert can provide more effective solutions to remove the bugs from your car.
Conclusion
Stink bugs are not delightful insects; you do not want them around you.
Not only do they give off an offensive odor, but they will also make you uncomfortable in your car.
It’s a good thing you have read this article. We trust you will apply these tips to eliminate stink bugs and keep them far from your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Scents Keep Stink Bugs Away?
As discussed above, the scents of essential oils will keep the stink bugs away. These oils include lemongrass oil, clove oil, spearmint oil, etc.
Is There a Spray for Stink Bugs?
Yes, there are sprays you can use to kill stink bugs. You can visit the nearest pest store to purchase one.
Is It Safe To Touch Stink Bugs?
It would be best if you avoid touching stink bugs. This is because they release defensive-scented compounds when you touch or kill them. These aromatic compounds smell awful and pollute the air.
