How To Get Rid Of Stink Bug Smell On The Skin

by | Last updated Jun 30, 2023 | Bugs

 

Has this ever happened to you? You are relaxing at the back of your porch one evening enjoying your homemade pumpkin pie; then, you spot a creepy brown bug. You absent-mindedly squash and at it hits you: oh! What a horrible smell – you just squashed a stink bug with your bare hands!

The smell is so awful you rush to the kitchen sink to wash it off but still, the foul smell is there; you start to wonder how do you get rid of the stink bug smell. Don’t worry! You are in the right place. Read on for some tips on how to get rid of the stink bug smell on your skin.

Overview

So What Is A  Stink Bug?

This marbled brown stink bug (Eocanthecona Furcellata) is an invasive pest that originated from China and has spread to other parts of the world over the years—first detected in the United States in 1990, maybe after hitching a ride in one of the shipping crates from China. The bug was first discovered in Pennsylvania, and since then, it has spread to other neighboring States.

The bug derives its name from the pungent odor it releases when it feels threatened or squashed. Researchers believe that the foul smell is a defensive mechanism against predators. Despite its small size, the stench it emits is strong and will stick to any surface the bug lands on, whether it’s on the curtain, on your clothes, on the carpet, or anywhere else.

Do Stink Bugs Cause any Harm?

The good thing is that the bugs don’t bite. They also do not hurt people or animals, nor do they transmit infections. However, some individuals are allergic to chemicals emitted by the stinking bug. Experts have also highlighted some aspects where stink bugs affect crops such as soy and corn.

It is believed that they impale the kernels and suck out the juice destroying the crops. The bugs also affect fruits like blackberries, apples, figs, and peaches.

Related Reading What Happens If You Swallow a Stink Bug

Related Reading The Spellbinding Life Cycle of a Lightning Bug

How Long Does Stink Bug Smell Last

It is difficult to give an unbiased estimate of how long a stink bug smell can last. From other people’s testimonials, the deterring odor can last hours depending on the species. So it’s advisable to avoid crushing the bugs or gently vacuum them up unless you want to endure the intense smell.

How To Get Rid Of Stink Bug Smell On The Skin

One of the most familiar problems with a stinky bug is that the stench can easily get on your skin. Squashing these tiny bugs using a tissue or napkin is one of the quickest ways to get rid of them. However, it’s most likely that the stink bug will emit its stench.

Even with a napkin, the foul odor can still pervade and get onto your hands or skin. Washing with water and soap doesn’t necessarily extract the foul smell from your skin. So what’s the best way to get rid of the stink bug smell on the skin?

Currently, there are two known ways to remove stink bug stains from your skin. You can either use baking soda or toothpaste.

Related Reading How to Clean After a Bug Bomb

How To Remove Stink Bug Stain From The Skin Using Baking Soda

  • Scoop a spoonful of baking soda and softly rub it on the affected spot
  • Leave it for a couple of minutes.
  • Then wipe it with water, and you will be happy with the results.cr

How To Get Rid Of Stink Bug Smell On The Skin Using Toothpaste

  • Massage  a small amount of toothpaste on the smelly part of your skin
  • Do this for a few minutes.
  • Then wash the area gently, and you will immediately see the results.

How To Get Stink Bug Smell Out Of Clothes

If these stink bugs feel you are a threat to them, then there is a high chance your clothes will get hit by the stinking missile! So the question is, how do you get the sting bug odor from your clothes?

Simple! Wash your clothes – no clever tricks of remedies required! A normal wash should get the nasty odor out of your clothes. For furniture and other fabric items, it is advisable to use any cleaning agent usually used on materials, and that should get rid of the stench.

Frequently asked questions

Why Do you Have Stink Bugs in your home?

Seasonal changes trigger stink bugs search for new winter homes; the shorter days and dropping of temperatures send them straight to your homes for cover.

What causes the smell, and how can you avoid it?

First of all, the stench emitted by the stink bug is their natural defense mechanism whenever they feel threatened. So it would be tactful not to touch them directly or squash them when they sit on your hand. Otherwise, they will produce a nasty smell.

How do I get Rid of Stink Bugs In Your Home?

The easiest and quickest to predispose the bugs is to vacuum them up. Using a vacuum cleaner will help you stop the stench from infiltrating your home. Make sure you throw away the vacuum bag or wash the bagless machines with soap and vinegar.

Keeping Stink Bugs Out

To keep them out of your house, you need a pest or bug control strategy that will ensure they stay out forever. Start by clearing the bushy and mushy area around the house, seal off any entry points, e.g., wall cracks, remove any food sources by storing food in airtight containers, and clean kitchen tops and tables.

Related Reading Will stink bug smell go away?

Conclusion

While the Sting Bug stench is very unpleasant to people, the bug is not dangerous to humans or pets. As winter approaches, be sure that sting bugs and other insects will try to gain access to your house looking for warmth.

The best way to avoid a bug infestation is by sealing all open areas and cracks in your home and keep a close eye on your garden. If you happen to see stink bugs in your house, take some drastic measures quickly lest you struggle with a full-blown infestation.

Vacuuming the sting bugs remains one of the most viable options for dealing with the bugs. You can also use soap traps or other natural bug control methods.

 

Has this ever happened to you? You are relaxing at the back of your porch one evening enjoying your homemade pumpkin pie; then, you spot a creepy brown bug. You absent-mindedly squash and at it hits you: oh! What a horrible smell – you just squashed a stink bug with your bare hands!

The smell is so awful you rush to the kitchen sink to wash it off but still, the foul smell is there; you start to wonder how do you get rid of the stink bug smell. Don’t worry! You are in the right place. Read on for some tips on how to get rid of the stink bug smell on your skin.

Overview

So What Is A  Stink Bug?

This marbled brown stink bug (Eocanthecona Furcellata) is an invasive pest that originated from China and has spread to other parts of the world over the years—first detected in the United States in 1990, maybe after hitching a ride in one of the shipping crates from China. The bug was first discovered in Pennsylvania, and since then, it has spread to other neighboring States.

The bug derives its name from the pungent odor it releases when it feels threatened or squashed. Researchers believe that the foul smell is a defensive mechanism against predators. Despite its small size, the stench it emits is strong and will stick to any surface the bug lands on, whether it’s on the curtain, on your clothes, on the carpet, or anywhere else.

Do Stink Bugs Cause any Harm?

The good thing is that the bugs don’t bite. They also do not hurt people or animals, nor do they transmit infections. However, some individuals are allergic to chemicals emitted by the stinking bug. Experts have also highlighted some aspects where stink bugs affect crops such as soy and corn.

It is believed that they impale the kernels and suck out the juice destroying the crops. The bugs also affect fruits like blackberries, apples, figs, and peaches.

Related Reading What Happens If You Swallow a Stink Bug

Related Reading The Spellbinding Life Cycle of a Lightning Bug

How Long Does Stink Bug Smell Last

It is difficult to give an unbiased estimate of how long a stink bug smell can last. From other people’s testimonials, the deterring odor can last hours depending on the species. So it’s advisable to avoid crushing the bugs or gently vacuum them up unless you want to endure the intense smell.

How To Get Rid Of Stink Bug Smell On The Skin

One of the most familiar problems with a stinky bug is that the stench can easily get on your skin. Squashing these tiny bugs using a tissue or napkin is one of the quickest ways to get rid of them. However, it’s most likely that the stink bug will emit its stench.

Even with a napkin, the foul odor can still pervade and get onto your hands or skin. Washing with water and soap doesn’t necessarily extract the foul smell from your skin. So what’s the best way to get rid of the stink bug smell on the skin?

Currently, there are two known ways to remove stink bug stains from your skin. You can either use baking soda or toothpaste.

Related Reading How to Clean After a Bug Bomb

How To Remove Stink Bug Stain From The Skin Using Baking Soda

  • Scoop a spoonful of baking soda and softly rub it on the affected spot
  • Leave it for a couple of minutes.
  • Then wipe it with water, and you will be happy with the results.cr

How To Get Rid Of Stink Bug Smell On The Skin Using Toothpaste

  • Massage  a small amount of toothpaste on the smelly part of your skin
  • Do this for a few minutes.
  • Then wash the area gently, and you will immediately see the results.

How To Get Stink Bug Smell Out Of Clothes

If these stink bugs feel you are a threat to them, then there is a high chance your clothes will get hit by the stinking missile! So the question is, how do you get the sting bug odor from your clothes?

Simple! Wash your clothes – no clever tricks of remedies required! A normal wash should get the nasty odor out of your clothes. For furniture and other fabric items, it is advisable to use any cleaning agent usually used on materials, and that should get rid of the stench.

Frequently asked questions

Why Do you Have Stink Bugs in your home?

Seasonal changes trigger stink bugs search for new winter homes; the shorter days and dropping of temperatures send them straight to your homes for cover.

What causes the smell, and how can you avoid it?

First of all, the stench emitted by the stink bug is their natural defense mechanism whenever they feel threatened. So it would be tactful not to touch them directly or squash them when they sit on your hand. Otherwise, they will produce a nasty smell.

How do I get Rid of Stink Bugs In Your Home?

The easiest and quickest to predispose the bugs is to vacuum them up. Using a vacuum cleaner will help you stop the stench from infiltrating your home. Make sure you throw away the vacuum bag or wash the bagless machines with soap and vinegar.

Keeping Stink Bugs Out

To keep them out of your house, you need a pest or bug control strategy that will ensure they stay out forever. Start by clearing the bushy and mushy area around the house, seal off any entry points, e.g., wall cracks, remove any food sources by storing food in airtight containers, and clean kitchen tops and tables.

Related Reading Will stink bug smell go away?

Conclusion

While the Sting Bug stench is very unpleasant to people, the bug is not dangerous to humans or pets. As winter approaches, be sure that sting bugs and other insects will try to gain access to your house looking for warmth.

The best way to avoid a bug infestation is by sealing all open areas and cracks in your home and keep a close eye on your garden. If you happen to see stink bugs in your house, take some drastic measures quickly lest you struggle with a full-blown infestation.

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Vacuuming the sting bugs remains one of the most viable options for dealing with the bugs. You can also use soap traps or other natural bug control methods.

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