Autumn alarm: Stink bugs are conquering our homes – here’s how to defend yourself!

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Stink bugs visit living spaces in the fall. Learn how to effectively avoid them and remove them gently.

Stinkwanzen suchen im Herbst Wohnräume auf. Erfahren Sie, wie Sie sie effektiv vermeiden und sanft entfernen können.
Stink bugs visit living spaces in the fall. Learn how to effectively avoid them and remove them gently.

Autumn alarm: Stink bugs are conquering our homes – here’s how to defend yourself!

Autumn is here and with it a very special house guest - the stink bug. These small, harmless insects look for a warm place in our homes during the cooler season. When temperatures drop below ten degrees, stink bugs take the opportunity to crawl into our home through open windows. As az-online.de reports, an unpleasant encounter can quickly arise, as they tend to appear in large numbers and cause a musty smell if you accidentally crush them.

In recent years, the stink bug, also known as the marmorated stink bug, has become increasingly widespread in Germany. Originally from East Asia, these animals are now increasingly finding their way into our habitats. But despite their unkempt smell, they are completely harmless and do not bite. However, they can secrete a greenish-colored secretion when they feel threatened.

Avoid the unpleasant encounter

In order to prevent the little pests from entering the house in the first place, it is advisable to take preventive measures. Windows and doors should be checked for leaks and cracks and these should be closed well. According to experts from hoerzu.de, fly screens on windows and sealing cracks and joints can work real wonders.

But what should you do if the stink bugs have already arrived in your own four walls? A simple but effective way to catch stink bugs is to use a jar and a piece of paper. In this way, the animals can be carefully captured and transported outside alive. You should avoid sucking it in directly with a vacuum cleaner, as this kills the creatures painfully and leaves unpleasant smells in the device.

Natural repellents and other tips

To combat stink bugs, the question often arises about natural repellents. A mixture of water and dish soap in a spray bottle can be used to spray window sills and entrances to keep the animals away. Keeping your home clean, such as avoiding leftover food, also helps avoid attracting stink bugs. In addition, the smell of lavender or lemon peel can serve as a defense, but as the experts from [oekotest.de](https://www.oekotest.de/freizeit-technik/Stinkwanzen-Waldschaben-Spinnen-Co-Wie-Sie-ungebetene-Gaeste-wieder-los Werden_15762_1.html) emphasize, these remedies are only effective in the short term.

In the case of stubborn infestations, it only makes sense to seek professional help. A massive stink bug population not only indicates a hygiene issue, but can also show that there are structural weak points in the building that should be checked.

Overall, dealing with stink bugs is a challenging but doable task. With a little preparation and the right measures, you can protect your home from these unpleasant roommates!