Essential oils are a better bug-repellent alternative than the different brands of pesticides littered in the market. Does it mean pesticides are ineffective?
No, they are! However, essential oils are a better odor-friendly option. So, what essential oils do stink bugs hate, and how do you apply them? We answered these and more in this guide!
Essential oils are natural and are devoid of harsh smells associated with pesticides if you want to give them a shot in your war against stink bugs.
Here are some excellent options to try out:
- Garlic oil spray
- Peppermint essential oil
- Neem oil
- Catnip oil
Above are four essential oils that can help keep stink bugs away. We discussed how to use them in detail in the guide.
The sections below will identify some essential oils with stink bug deterrent properties. Also, we will walk you through practical steps to apply them properly.
Major Essential Oils Bugs Hate
Essential oils are natural repellants without any chemical substance. Hence, they aid in a healthy environment when you deploy them to deter pests.
Below, we consider some that can help to keep stink bugs at bay:
1. Garlic Oil Spray
This natural spice for cooking is highly to stink bugs. Unfortunately, this smell released when grounded and mixed with other bug deterrents isn’t attractive for stink bugs.
The good thing is that it is a simple DIY solution. No chemicals to be scared of, and it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to prepare.
Garlic oil is more effective when mixed with other ingredients, such as vinegar or lemon juice. But if they are unavailable, you can go with the garlic extract water.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is another powerful essential oil you should try alongside garlic oil. However, its primary advantage over garlic oil is small.
Peppermint oil, just like wintergreens, is minty oil that stinks bugs can’t stand. P- Menthane-3, 8-diol is a strong content in peppermint oil that insects like stink bugs hate.
A plus to peppermint oil is that it can be applied on areas bit by other insects. So, while you spray it around the house to repel stick bugs, you can also apply It on your skin to ward off Mosquitoes and bed bugs.
Mix with a small amount of water and fill it into a spray bottle. Using a spray bottle makes for easy application of the oil.
3. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a prominent repellent for stink bugs that insist on ruining farm produce. Neem oil isn’t just effective in farms alone; you can also apply it indoors in suspected places. It just happens to be one of the best resorts for farmers.
This oil repels stink bugs, harming the plants with which it comes in contact. In addition, its most active content, Azadirachtin, enables the oil to last as long as 14-20 days.
Neem oil kills off not just adult stink bugs but also prevents them from reproducing. However, it is hugely discomforting for them.
4. Catnip Oil
This mint-scented weed plant is another essential oil for keeping stink bugs far from your farm and home. Here’s a secret; mint generally repels stink bugs. So, any mint-scented ingredient will always work!
5. Vinegar and Lemon Juice Mix
Vinegar and lemon juice mix is an easy DIY homemade solution for repelling stink bugs. You can quickly put it together whenever you have no essential ingredients available.
Here’s a short guide.
Get similar measurements of both lemon juice and vinegar. White vinegar is more effective in this regard. Add a little dish soap and water to the mixture, shake thoroughly, and your stink bug repellent is good.
Be intentional about spraying directly on stink bugs if you can see them or on cracks in them which is their sure hideout.
6. Pyrethrum Oil
Pyrethrum oil is an extract from the pyrethrum flower. Pyrethrum flower releases a scent after it is processed, an active bug killer and repellent.
Since pyrethrum flower grows fast and easily once planted in good soil, it is better to develop them yourself, so you are never short of supply.
The flowers must grow before you can pluck them and ground them into a smooth powder. Then, mix with dish soap and water before each use. One thing to like about pyrethrum essential oil is that it gives your home a refreshing smell and keeps the stink bugs away.
7. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a compulsory member of any bug-repellent list. It does not take that place for anything anyway. Lavender oil has multiple purposes.
So, with a bottle of lavender, you will not only repel stink bugs, but you can also use it to ease the pain and itch of insect bites.
What’s more?
Its active compound, linalool, is a popular ingredient used to produce many other bug repellents and pesticides sold in different stores. However, lavender oil is powerful on its own. So for best results, you can buy a bottle of lavender and spray it judiciously around the house.
Conclusion
Essential oils do not only repel stink bugs. They also help ease the offensive smell from these unwanted visitors.
Also, since essential oils are from natural plants, they release refreshing fragrances into the house. There are exceptions, anyways, as not all of them smell nice.
However, our picks – garlic oil spray, peppermint essential oil, neem oil, catnip oil, vinegar and lemon juice mix, pyrethrum oil, and lavender essential oil are all odor-friendly repellents.
Some of these essential oils leave stains on surfaces. So, before use, try out your choice of essential oil on a plain sheet to detect if it is the type that leaves stains behind.
Also, close all food containers tightly before spraying to prevent an unwanted ingredient in your food.
Essential oils have a sweet smell that can attract children, and the smell/taste can harm them. So, ensure you keep them out of their reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Homemade Stink Bug Repellent?
The best around should be a fine mixture of water, vinegar, garlic juice, and two spoonfuls of mint oil, all in dish soap. Fill into a spray bottle and shake thoroughly before use. Spray directly on suspected areas.
What Scent Attracts Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs naturally feed on farm produce. So, if you have a farm full of ripe fruits, your farm is an irresistible attraction for them.
Even if you don’t have a farm but have storage for fruits and other farm produce, they are likely to raid there too.
Do Stink Bugs Ever Go Away?
Yes, they do. But only when threatened. Stink bugs hardly go away on their own. So, to send them out, you must introduce certain essential oils or pesticides that keep them away.
Where Do Stink Bugs Hide in a Room?
Stink bugs usually hide in ceilings and corners, especially when they grow. So if there are cracks or openings in the walls, doors, and window frames, they will likely be in there.
