The Best Stink Bug Repellent
Pest Strategies
A common household pest, stink bugs can carry germs and other diseases. To keep them out of your home, Pest Strategies researched the best stink bug repellent options on Amazon. Here are our top recommendations.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7KSXHX
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer
What We Like: This powerful and long-lasting spray goes beyond repelling bugs — it also kills them on contact. The formula is odor-free, and it won’t stain surfaces when it’s used as directed. It also comes with a wand attachment that creates a continuous stream of spray for easy, precise application in and around your home.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00530HSPW
Tempo Ultra WP Pest Control Insecticide
What We Like: With a formula that leaves a 30-day barrier, this powder-based insect killer is an effective and lasting solution to your insect infestation. The powder concentrate is designed to be mixed with water for application, and its formula won’t harm people or pets when it’s used according to the included instructions.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055FOZEW
HARRIS Stink Bug Killer
What We Like: This stink bug killer uses an extended trigger to comfortably and accurately apply the spray exactly where you want it. The spray kills stink bugs for multiple weeks after the initial application, and the one-gallon quantity is plenty to cover large areas or save for future infestations.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008H5B95A
REPEL Plant-Based Insect Repellent
What We Like: When you’re out camping or hiking, mosquitoes, stink bugs, and other insects can put a damper on your experience. This four-ounce, travel-friendly repellent spray keeps pests away without your skin feeling sticky or greasy. It’s also sold in a six-pack, making it useful for long trips or large groups of people.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ANQVYU
Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent
What We Like: This insect repellent is sprayed directly onto clothing, furniture, and other surfaces, giving you protection without having to apply it to your skin. It has a long-lasting formula, bonding to fabric fibers for six weeks or through six washes.
Buying Guide
Repellents either target stink bugs specifically or along with other insects. To help you sort through your product choices, read our buyer’s guide below.
- Repellent Type: There are several types of insect repellents that can kill stink bugs. Below are explanations of a few of the most common ones.
- Spray: The formula of spray repellents changes based on what you’re spraying it on. If it’s sprayed on skin or equipment, it usually uses DEET, a powerful chemical compound. Some of these sprays use concentrated essential oils instead to naturally repel bugs. If the spray is meant to be applied around your home, it usually contains a more powerful insecticide, such as bifenthrin.
- Bracelet: Rubber bracelet repellents contain concentrated essential oils. Geraniol and lemongrass are two common oils that usually work in tandem to repel pests naturally. Many of these bracelets work for around 300 hours. They’re a good option if you don’t want to apply repellent to your skin and feel dirty or oily.
- Ultrasonic: This method of pest control drives away stink bugs and other pests using high sound frequencies that humans can’t hear. The device uses a power cord or batteries to deter bugs if they get within the sound’s radius. Though cats and dogs may be able to hear these frequencies, they’re not bothered by them.
- Powder: Stink bug repellent is also available in a powder form. This powder is usually either mixed with water or sprinkled dry. Since it’s available in large quantities, it’s more cost-effective than other repellent options. However, it usually uses toxic ingredients.
- Length of Effectiveness: A good stink bug repellent will provide you with protection for about 30 days. Stink bug repellents that use essential oils may only last a few days or one or two weeks.
- Ingredients: Insecticides, such as pyrethrin and bifenthrin, are common in conventional pest control products. While effective, they can be toxic. If you don’t want to use strong insecticides or chemicals in your home, look for stink bug repellents that have essential oils as their active ingredients.
- Other Targeted Insects: Few pest control products solely target stink bugs. Even products that include stink bugs on their label also target other bothersome insects, such as cockroaches, centipedes, fleas, and mosquitoes. If you’re experiencing a stink bug infestation, it can’t hurt to buy a multipurpose product to prevent other insects from invading your home.
FAQs
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Do stink bugs produce a foul odor?
Stink bugs are capable of producing an odor, but not everyone is affected by it. While some people will find the smell pungent, others won’t smell anything. If they do, they won’t be bothered. Additionally, stink bugs only produce this polarizing aroma when they feel threatened or when they’re crushed.
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Where should I set up or apply my stink bug repellent for the best results?
Place your ultrasonic device, powder, or spray in areas where you have seen stink bugs. If you’re going on an outdoor adventure, put the bracelet around your wrist, and apply your body bug spray to every visible area of skin.
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Will a stink bug hurt me?
Brown marmorated stink bugs are harmless to humans and pets. However, they produce an odor when they feel threatened, and they tear through your garden and houseplants if they’re left untreated.
Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.