Mitigating Stink Bugs on Campus

Greetings Lewis & Clark Community,

With the transition from summer to fall, Stink Bugs/Shield Beetles are attempting to find a comfortable indoor spot to settle in for the approaching cooler weather. These harmless insects weasel their way indoors through small cracks and crevices and love campus buildings.

Here are tips and tricks for mitigating stink bugs from entering your space or capturing the ones who are currently living rent-free in your area:

• Don’t kill them! While these bugs are annoying, their smell is far worse than their presence.
• Stink bugs don’t bite and don’t want to hurt humans. If you find some in your building, you can remove and release them outdoors. An easy way to do this is with a handheld vacuum.
• If you open windows to let in fresh air, keep the screens closed. But beware- stink bugs are infamous for finding a way indoors even when windows and doors are properly sealed shut!
• Stink bugs don’t like dryer sheets. You can hang a dryer sheet near windows or wipe down windows and screens with the dryer sheet to deflect them from entering into your area.
• Keep food and perishable items properly sealed. Stink bugs are always looking for a snack.
• If you already have some stink bugs in your area, they can be captured by mixing warm water and dish soap in a jar or cup. The bugs are attracted to the scent and will fall in but can’t swim. After a few days, dump the contents out and make a new cup.
• Report missing or broken screens to Facilities via their Service Request system.
• Make a Service Request for the Housekeeping staff to vacuum up the insects if your area has quite a few stink bugs taking up residence.

Pest Control:

• Unfortunately, there is not an effective, environmentally safe option to eradicate these insects, the best option is to use the dish soap/water solution in your area.

We hope these tips will help with managing stink bugs during the fall semester!

• Stink Bug Tips - Pestworld.com