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Fingers crossed I have not seen the lantern fly's in Michigan yet. Stinkbugs were more prevalent about 2 years ago, but not as much recently.

The stink bugs are my arch nemesis as their scent chemical is probably the most repulsive scent imaginable for me. It smells exactly like cilantro, too. When I lived in Virginia they were everywhere.

My stink bug weapon is a 2-liter soda bottle filled about 50% with warm water blended with dish soap. I fill a bottle with warm water, drizzle some soap inside, shake it up and it is good to go. I will walk around my home with the bottle slightly squeezed so that once I release the squeeze it creates a vacuum effect. I'll position the nozzle of the bottle right below the bug as I release and it sucks them in every time. They fall into a foamy bubble bath and die a silent death. I've collected hundreds of them with this method. Fortunately this year I have only seen 2 on my property.

protip do not use a vacuum cleaner to suck up stink bugs as it will essentially turn the exhaust port on the vacuum into a cilantro/stinkbug scent emitter machine

I've made the vacuum mistake before, and I had to throw the vacuum bag out well before its time. Same issue if I crush one and throw it in the trash can - now I have that smell until I take the trash out.

Based on some responses, it's clear there must be varying ability to smell/be offended by the stink chemicals. Maybe it is like cilantro in more than just odor, because I am part of the unlucky genetic group that finds cilantro to taste like soap.

Seems like a reasonable speculation. The ability to smell that asparagus smell in urine is also genetic, if I remember correctly.

https://i.imgur.com/Cvysv0l.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OR6A2

My first thought would have been to use a vacuum cleaner, so thanks for sharing that tip haha

> The best way I've found to kill them is to use an inverted air-duster spray, where the cold liquid propellant instantly freezes them before they release their malodorous oil.

This also works instantaneously on all sorts of household pests, including roaches.

In the U.S., these spray cans typically have a bitterant that smells horrible and sticks to your hands. It’s especially bad if you turn them upside down. It’s not worth covering your house in that smelly stuff IMO.

I bought a Bugzooka[1] and it works great to catch stink bugs and similar slow insects. It safely traps them alive, does not stink the house, and allows me to easily catch 10-15 bugs before I need to empty it outside. It is humane, kind of fun, and I can operate it from a safe 2-3ft distance. Plus my 3 year old absolutely loves it!

1. BugZooka WB100 Bug Catcher Vacuum for Fly https://a.co/d/a2Tr7rr (just a happy customer, no connection to the product/company)

I’m in NYS and we get lots of stink bugs. I usually just grab them with a paper towel, squeeze it, and throw it in the garbage or toilet.

The thing is, I’ve never actually smelled the odor.

Same. Never smelled them. I don’t squeeze, just wrap them up so they can’t get out. Maybe I should squeeze one eventually. Sadly my chickens don’t seem overly interested.

It's not fitting for all insects but in the house I use a small cordless Dirty Devil vac. Works great on flies in the window.

Bug a salt. It’s wonderful fun. If you can stomach “assault guns. “ I can and it’s great and wonderfully effective. Also kinda fun too. I hate flys. Stink bugs, meh.

> there's not many good ways to kill them without releasing their nasty odor

Handheld vacuum cleaner, then empty outside after they've starved to death (about a day). No mess, no fuss. Gruesome, but very satisfying.

Virtually any detergent will kill stinkbugs.

Your options are to put them in a container with a a weak dish- or hand-soap solution (a mug or yoghurt tub with a few drops of detergent + water will do the trick). They'll die in a minute or so. You'll get some smell though it's usually not too strong if you avoid crushing them. Dispose of the dead ones within a day.

You can also use a (diluted) detergent spray, and apply that directly to groups of the insects, particularly where they're gathered on exterior walls, plants, etc. That's effective diluted to 25%, and almost certainly further.

Any detergent seems to be effective, specific brands don't much matter. If you need a specific recommendation, a cheap Dawn detergent should work.

For a passive solution: soapy water + vinegar traps can be used. Tubs, buckets, reused plastic food containers, aluminium foil pans or trays, roasting pans, etc., all make excellent traps.

See: <https://yewtu.be/watch?v=DNjzdH45XT4>

And a larger DIY insecticide-based trap: <https://yewtu.be/watch?v=AZxkmmImRIc&listen=false>

Diatomaceous earth should also be effective.

Why in the world would you go to such elaborate lengths to kill a stinkbug in your house?

They don't bite or sting, and they're really crap at evasive manoeuvres. They don't want to be inside any more than you want them to be.

Just pick them up and toss them outside. No need to get medieval.

I've found as soon as I touch/disturb one, it excretes its stink oil onto my fingers. The smell also permeates the room a bit.

I beg to differ on the 'they don't want to be inside' bit. I think that's exactly what they want, since they tend to swarm enclosed structures in the Fall. I assume they prefer a climate controlled house during Winter like most other insects/animals would if given the option.

I may have underestimated the population and behaviour of stink bugs in the broader world.

I've never had to deal with more than a few at a time, and they have always been pretty docile/non-reactionary creatures.

They want to be inside of your house in the northern US, this time of year when it gets cold they will crawl in any opening. Then they die because they can't get back outside.

> They don't want to be inside any more than you want them to be.

Huh? The brown marmorated stink bugs start migrating to homes this time of year in the north.

> Just pick them up and toss them outside. No need to get medieval.

Is allowing them to slowly freeze to death medieval? That's what's going to happen during the winter in the north.

I just grab a sheet of paper, scoop them up, take them outside, then squish as they go into the trash. They’re usually quite content to just walk up onto the paper and go for a ride.

I gently pick up the stinkbugs and toss them outside. Works great. Sure, one still gets me once in a while, but it's extremely rare.

Fortunately the "Samurai Wasp" is now in the US and building numbers, it parasitizes BMSB. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trissolcus_japonicus

I grab them with a tissue, and flush them down the toilet. Haven't smelled them once.