Stink bugs are one of the most common household pests, and they can be a nuisance. There are many stink bug repellents on the market, but some work better than others. Fortunately, there are multiple options that show a high level of efficacy while also remaining safe and easy to use.
Our list of the best stink bug repellents is based on features and use cases each repellent can offer. The ingredient list is one of the most important factors since more and more people opt for organic and environmentally-friendly options. Another important aspect of a bug repellent is its longevity because reapplying it every few hours can become a hassle. We’ve also tried to find more specific options, such as repellents for gardening or outdoor activities.
Other features: registered for indoor residential use, non-staining formula, extended trigger sprayer
Harris Stink Bug Killer is our Editor’s Choice for the best stink bug repellent because of its incredible efficiency. With its extended trigger sprayer, you can spray from far away in case you don’t want to interact with these bugs closely or have areas that are hard to reach. Moreover, this spray’s formula is completely odorless and non-staining, which is great for indoor use. Moreover, the Harris Stink Bug Killer is registered with the EPA for indoor residential use, so you can be sure it’s entirely safe for your home. Finally, the value of this spray is incredible since you get 1 gallon of repellent at a very fair price.
What we really liked about this spray is how little you need to use for it to be effective. It can last for weeks, much like the Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent, but, unlike that product, this offering from Harris can be used in your residence. This makes it nice and easy to keep the bugs out without too much trouble.
Other features: organic and non-toxic, stainless, USDA-certified, safe for kids and pets
If you’re on the market for an organic and natural stink bug repellent, we recommend giving Eco Defense Biobased Pest Control Spray a try. This USDA-certified biobased pest control spray is made from naturally derived ingredients, making it non-toxic and completely safe to use at home, even if you have kids or pets. The smell of this spray is rather mild, and it tends to disappear quickly after application. Once applied, this repellent creates a lasting barrier that will continue to kill stink bugs for days or even weeks ahead. This product is also effective against a wide variety of other common household pests, including cockroaches, spiders, and ants.
We think that this is an awesome option if you are someone that is easily bothered by odors after spraying for bugs. Unlike the Dyna-Gro Pure Neem Oil, the Eco Defense Biobased Pest Control Spray does not have a very strong odor. This makes it an effective choice for keeping stink bugs away without causing a stink itself.
Other features: lightweight design, removable catch tube, no batteries are needed
If you’re looking for a gentler way to get rid of stink bugs, take a look at the BugZooka WB100 Bug Catcher Vacuum. This bug vacuum is designed to suck stink bugs and other insects into a removable catch tube without squishing them. It means that stink bugs you’ve caught won’t release their odor, which otherwise could happen if you catch them by hand or using a regular vacuum. This bug vacuum is also great for capturing other types of insects, including mosquitos, flies, and cockroaches. Best of all, it’s lightweight and quite long, so you can keep your distance from the insect.
Though many of the products on our list are great for repelling stink bugs before they become entrenched in your home, not many will do much for the bugs that are already there. This vacuum, however, will allow you to capture any and all stink bugs in your house without doing them any harm, or allowing them to release their strong scent.
Other features: can be used on plants not only to get rid of stink bugs, but also to produce clean and shiny leaves
Dyna-Gro Pure Neem Oil is a gardening product that will help you protect your plants from stink bugs. By applying this oil to your plants, you will create a barrier that will disrupt bugs’ biological processes and prevent them from further development. By keeping bugs away from your plants, Dyna-Gro Pure Neem Oil will also make your plants’ leaves clean and shiny. This product is a completely organic, 100% cold-pressed oil, so it’s safe to use around vegetables in your garden. The only downside is the smell, which is quite strong and may prevent you from using this oil on your indoor plants. Otherwise, the Dyna-Gro Pure Neem Oil is a tried-and-tested repellent with a lasting effect.
What we really like about this product from Dyna-Gro and what really helps to set it apart from another option on our list like the Harris Stink Bug Killer is that it is naturally derived. Many other repellants have somewhat harsh chemicals that might not work in your garden. This product, however, is perfectly safe to use on plants and around your family, making it an ideal choice.
Other features: 800 to 1200 sq. ft. coverage, three function modes
The Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller is a great tool for getting rid of unwanted pests in your home. It is effective against a variety of pests, including stink bugs, spiders, roaches, and mosquitoes. It has a large coverage of 800 to 1200 square feet, but the effect is only limited to one room, as ultrasonic waves cannot penetrate walls. It means you’ll have to buy a repellent for each room infested with stink bugs. Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller has three functioning modes for slight, medium, and heavy pest infestations. Slight and medium modes are inaudible to humans, so you can keep this repelled plugged in without even noticing it.
One of the biggest issues with many of the other products we found for keeping out stink bugs and other creepy crawlies is that they are chemical-based. At the same time, biobased options such as the Eco Defense Biobased Pest Control Spray will bring some scent to your home that you might not want around if you are sensitive to smells. This plug-in option removes the need for sprays altogether, while still being highly effective.
Other features: recommended to be used on clothing and outdoor gear, stainless, comes in a variety of sizes and in aerosol and spray options
Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent is a great choice for anyone looking for an insect repellent that will provide long-lasting protection in the outdoors. This repellent is effective against more than 55 different types of insects, including stink bugs, and should be applied on clothes and various outdoor gear. It offers excellent protection and holds up quite well: it can last for up to six weeks and six washings. The scent is also not too strong when applied and completely disappears over time. Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent comes in a variety of sizes and both spray and aerosol options, making it easy to find the right one for your needs.
While most of the different products on our list are generally best for residential use, this amazing product from Sawyer is designed to be used when you are in the great outdoors. Specifically, we found this to be highly effective at keeping stink bugs, and others, away during camping excursions. It is also one of the longest lasting sprays out there, while many, such as the Dyna-Gro Pure Neem Oil, needs to be reapplied often.
When looking to buy stink bug repellent, it is important to consider a number of factors. The most important ones are the type of repellent, the ingredients, and where you are planning to use it. These factors will determine how fast and how effective the repellent will be. You also should keep in mind such factors as scent and safety, especially if you have kids or pets. Let’s look closer at all these aspects of choosing a proper stink bug repellent.
Sprays are the most popular type of repellent, as they are easy to use and can be targeted directly at the bugs. However, some people do not like the idea of spraying chemicals around their homes. In our list, most options present are sprays and aerosols. We’ve chosen repellents that are completely safe to use and pose no risk to people or animals.
If you are one of those who don’t like chemicals, there is one more type of stink bug repellent – traps and catchers. Traps are physical devices that use light, heat, or aroma to lure bugs inside and then kill them. Catchers help you to physically remove the pests from your home. These two types of repellents are not as effective as sprays, but they are much easier and safer to use.
There are also ultrasonic pest repellents that work by emitting high-frequency sound waves that humans cannot hear but that bugs find disturbing. These devices can be used both indoors and outdoors and are effective against both insects and rodents. If you’re interested in getting a rodent repellent, take a look at our thorough guides for the best mouse repellents and the best rat repellents.
Bug repellents can be based on chemical or natural ingredients.
Even though chemical stink bug repellents make an impression as something more dangerous, they’re usually fully certified and pose no risks if you follow all safety precautions. The most common and effective chemical ingredients used in commercial repellents are pyrethroids. Permethrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and cyfluthrin are synthetic pyrethroids with a broad spectrum of activity against many insects, including stink bugs. You should be careful when using these products in proximity to children and pets.
Natural ingredients-based repellents have become increasingly popular in recent years. Some of them are made of essential oils only, while others contain a combination of essential oils and other ingredients such as water, alcohol, or vinegar. These repellents are usually much safer to use, they’re also fully environmentally friendly and most probably are safe for pets. For example, we have an ultimate guide for the best pet-safe ant killer, and most options presented there are organic. On the downside, natural ingredients-based repellents may show results that are not as immediate or impressive as with chemical stink bug repellents.
Stink bug repellents come in a variety of forms, but most have a limited lifespan. Some need to be reapplied every few days, while others last for weeks. Repellent’s longevity depends on the ingredients and the environment it’s used in.
If we talk about ultrasonic repellents, they need to be plugged in all the time to maintain their efficacy. Moreover, they need quite some time to show results in the first place: typically, 2-4 weeks.
So, when choosing a stink bug repellent, consider how often you’ll need to reapply it and how long it will take to start working. To extend the life of your stink bug repellent, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions and reapply as needed.
Chemical and natural stink bug repellents tend to have a smell that can be off-putting to people. So, if you have medical conditions aggravated by strong smells and plan to use your repellent indoors, you should be careful when choosing these products. We recommend following instructions on the label and using the product only in well-ventilated areas. You may also need to use some protective gear, such as a mask, to avoid inhaling too much of the fumes.
Natural stink bug repellents may have an even stronger smell than chemical ones, but they are generally considered safer for people and pets. Many natural repellents use essential oils as their active ingredient.
If you feel that you cannot tolerate the smell of any repellent, you may want to consider other options, such as traps or catchers. They may not help you eliminate stink bugs altogether, but they will definitely help you reduce their numbers.
You should choose a stink bug repellent based on its use case. Of course, some options work great both indoors and outdoors, but others are only meant for one or the other. If you want an indoor solution, look for something with a milder smell and make sure it’s safe to use around children and pets.
Outdoor repellents are usually stronger since they have to be able to stand up to the various weather conditions. On the other hand, you can be a little more lenient with the smell.
There are also stink bug repellents that have more specific use cases. For example, in our list, we have an option that can be used specifically on plants. Of course, this is a non-toxic, organic option that will not harm your plants and will not be harmful to you, even if the plant is edible.
Using a combination of multiple approaches is recommended to get rid of stink bugs. First, of course, you need to find a perfect repellent for your particular situation. Some of them will kill bugs on contact, some will stop their further development, and some will simply keep them away from you.
If you spot a stink bug indoors, you should catch one right away. Be sure to dispose of it immediately afterward so the stink bug doesn’t escape and reenter your home. You may also want to use traps that will catch as many bugs as possible.
To keep stink bugs from getting into your house in the first place, you can try to seal off your home, making sure all cracks and crevices are caulked.
You can also install screens on all of your doors and windows. This will help to keep other pests out as well.
If you have a serious stink bug problem and none of the repellants you buy seem to help, you may need to call an exterminator. They will be able to recommend the best course of action for getting rid of the bugs in your particular situation.
On the other hand, if you have a garden, stink bugs can do a lot of damage to your crops. These bugs eat plant sap, which can cause the plant to wilt and produce less fruit. Some farmers have reported losing large amounts of their crops to stink bugs.
Our top choice is Harris Stink Bug Killer for its hassle-free application process and odorless yet highly effective formula. We believe that this is the best option you can find on the market right now, especially since you get a lot of product at a relatively small price.
If you’re looking for a natural, organic option, then we recommend giving the Eco Defense Biobased Pest Control Spray a try. It has proven to be quite effective against many types of pests, and it’s also safe to use around pets and kids, making it one of the best stink bug repellents on the market.
Finally, you might opt for a gentler option of getting rid of stink bugs, and it’s the BugZooka WB100 Bug Catcher Vacuum. This bug vacuum is lightweight, affordable, yet pretty capable of catching stink bugs without them releasing their odor.
