The Stink Bug Smell – Tips and Tricks to Get Rid of It
When you come across stink bugs, you’ll have a chance to understand why they’re called “stink bugs.” I’m sure most of us have experienced this unpleasant odor from touching or killing one of these insects. When I was a child I had this experience that made my mom laugh at me and my son’s naivety.
Here’s what you need to know about Stink Bug smell:
1. The smell that insects emit is a protective reaction against predators that makes them leave and not touch the bug.
2. It comes from special glands that are located in the thorax of Shield Bugs.
3. The glands are producing a fluid that contains toxins in case of imminent danger. The liquid itself is not poisonous, but it has a rather unpleasant “scent”.
4. The liquid contains aldehydes such as CH3-(CH2)2-CH=CH-CHO. This is where the horrible smell is coming from.
5. If you are not touching or crushing the bugs, you usually won’t smell them; however, if you have a lot of them in a confined space (such as your home), your senses will be taxed.
6. If a shield bug gets on your hand and leaves behind its scent, do the following to get rid of it:
• Try to replace the smell with a stronger one; washing dirty dishes usually helps, as the combination of the greasy smell of food and dish soap seems to get the job done.
• If your hands smell like food after that, clean them again with dish soap.
• Consider using a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.
• A good shower as soon as possible after the “attack” can also help. Pay more attention and rub the smelly part.
• You can use any fruit or vegetable that contains acid to rub the spot: tomatoes, lemons, lime, etc.
7. If you have an infestation in your home and it seems like the smell is everywhere:
• Keep in mind that if you leave the smell and the bugs inside you will get bad results
• The stench can last 4-8 months and if you still have bugs in the house they will make sure it is “renewed”.
• The “scent” also attracts other insects inside
8. What to do to clean your house:
• Find the source of the infestation and kill and remove everything you see: adult species, “babies” and eggs.
• Start treating where you found the most bugs. Clean it with strong chemicals that contain bleach or use liquids that contain acid such as vinegar.
• If the smell is all over the house, then it’s a little more difficult. You must treat the walls and lamps with vinegar. I say lamps because during the night, when the light is on, they will most often be lit on them.
• Of course, you also have another option. Get rid of the infestation completely and leave the smell on until it goes away on its own. Keep in mind, however, that you should seal all the cracks in your house and purchase protective netting for your windows to prevent others from entering.
As a conclusion, I can say that it is difficult to combat this new household pest, since you must first remove the insects and then decide what to do with the smell. However, do not be discouraged because I have achieved it, which means that you can definitely succeed too.