Stink bugs, common household invaders, particularly the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), often enter homes as temperatures drop. While generally harmless, their presence can be bothersome, leading many to wonder what happens if they are squished. Squishing these insects triggers a potent defense mechanism, releasing a distinct and lingering odor.
The Distinctive Odor
The odor released by a disturbed stink bug is unpleasant and pungent. Many describe the scent as cilantro-like, while others perceive it as chemical, sulfurous, or even rancid. This highly concentrated aroma can create a significant and quickly noticeable stench that persists for hours, clinging to surfaces, clothing, and skin.
The Source of the Scent
The unpleasant odor is a chemical defense mechanism, deployed when the stink bug feels threatened or is physically disturbed. These chemicals are produced in specialized scent glands located on the underside of their thorax or in their abdomen. The primary compounds responsible are trans-2-decenal and trans-2-octenal, which are volatile aldehydes. These substances evaporate quickly, contributing to the immediate and widespread nature of the odor.
Cleaning Up After an Encounter
If a stink bug is squished, specific cleaning approaches are needed to remove the lingering odor from surfaces and skin. For hands, applying toothpaste and rubbing it in before washing with warm water can help neutralize the smell. Alternatively, soaking hands in a mixture of lemon juice and warm water for at least a minute can also be effective. For home surfaces, airing out the room by opening windows and creating a cross breeze helps dissipate the smell. Odor eliminators, such as cotton balls soaked in lemon or peppermint extract, or fresh coffee grounds placed in open containers, can also help overpower or absorb the scent.
Non-Squish Management
To avoid the release of the odor, several alternative methods exist for managing stink bugs without squishing them. One effective technique involves using a jar or bucket filled with soapy water. Stink bugs tend to drop when disturbed, so positioning the container beneath them allows them to fall into the soapy solution, where the soap breaks the water’s surface tension, causing them to drown. Vacuuming can also be used, but it is advisable to use a vacuum with a bag and to dispose of the bag immediately outdoors to prevent the smell from permeating the vacuum and home. Another option is to gently scoop them with a piece of paper or tissue and flush them down a toilet, ideally one containing soapy water, as they can survive underwater for some time.