If there’s one bug I absolutely can’t stand, it’s stink bugs (I get icky just thinking about them!).
My aversion to these pests dates back to a couple of summers ago when I had a total stink bug invasion in my garden. They. Were. Literally. Everywhere!
I couldn’t stand them, so I tried all sorts of remedies to get rid of them. Of course, nothing seemed to work until my friend suggested this trick (I honestly couldn’t thank her enough).
You will be as shocked as I was when you discover that using something as simple as essential oils can keep every one of these stinky bugs far away from your yard. And the best part? You probably already have it in your kitchen!
If you’re as fed up with these creepy crawlers as I was, keep reading. I’ll show you how to use this simple oil to keep your garden stink bug-free.
Here’s Why Stink Bugs Are The Worst
Whenever you spot these annoying brown marmorated bugs in your garden, it’s time to take action.
These little invaders aren’t just annoying – they’re highly invasive.
When I saw them in my garden, I decided to do a little research and figure out where they came from.
Since their arrival from Asia in 1996, they’ve spread all across the U.S., making themselves right at home and causing trouble for crops in various regions.
Even if you don’t see immediate damage, if these stink bugs are around they’re definitely munching on your plants.
They have a particular taste for fruits and veggies, from apples and tomatoes to peppers and sweet corn (I have a vendetta towards them because they ruined my tomato batch, my all-time-fave crop. Ugh!)
The funny thing is that stink bugs don’t just stay outside. When it gets chilly, they love to sneak indoors. Sure, they don’t bite, but they can be a real nuisance.
If they start feeling at home inside, they might release their stinky defense spray, which can be a major headache if your child or pet accidentally disturbs them.
And if one or two bugs think your house is a great winter retreat, they’ll spread the word to their friends, leading to a full-blown infestation (and those are the worst kinds to get rid of).
Related: 7 Methods To Deal With Stink Bugs In Your Home And Garden
Peppermint Oil To The Rescue
Here’s the good news: there’s a super easy way to keep these sinky bugs out of your garden, and it only involves one essential oil – peppermint.
I tried this trick myself, and it worked flawlessly. I just mixed 10 drops of peppermint essential oil with two cups of water, and then sprayed it on my affected plants.
Why does this work? Stink Bugs absolutely hate the smell of mint! They’ll steer clear of any plant that smells like it (how funny, I absolutely love the smell of peppermint!).
However, you might need to repeat this every few days to keep the minty fresh scent strong until all the stink bugs are gone.
Give it a try, and watch those stink bugs scurry away!
Also read: Keep Stink Bugs At Bay With This Two-ingredient Repellent
Other Fun Hacks To Keep These Stinky Bugs Away
Don’t run to the store to buy harsh chemicals as soon as you spot these bugs in the garden. There’s always an eco-friendly solution that might do the job even better than any pesticide out there.
For instance, you can try mixing dish soap with water then spray it directly on the bugs and your plants.
If you don’t get the ick easily, you could also wear garden gloves, pick off the stink bugs, and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. The soap breaks down their waxy exoskeleton and clogs their breathing tube, stopping them in their tracks.
And while you’re at it, try inviting some stink bug predators to your garden. Toads, birds, and bats are all fans of these little pests and can help keep their numbers in check.
Give these methods a go and enjoy a more peaceful garden!
Have issues with cicadas? Read this: This Simple Trick Will Silence The Cicada Symphony And Restore Peace In Your Yard