Top 3 Best Stink Bug Repellents

Pests can ruin your home, your camping, or your outdoor space. Not all repellents are created equally, however. There are a few different types of repellents to consider for your pest problem.

The most common type of repellent is something you apply directly to your body. The benefit of body application is that the barrier is directly on you so insects can’t or don’t want to get through.

You should look for a formula that can withstand some sweat, so you don’t wear it off too quickly. Also, it should be safe for your skin. Do a patch test before applying so that you can be sure it won’t cause any irritation.

Some aren’t suitable for children. If you’re worried about your kids, you can choose a nontoxic formula that relies on essential oils and natural bug deterrents instead of chemicals.

Sprays are usually the easiest ones to get on, but they can sometimes waste a lot on the application. Lotions get every bit of the repellent on the body, but they can be messy to apply with your hands.

Household Sprays

Spraying repellents in your home helps deter insects from coming in and can be effective if you’ve got a small infestation or bugs here and there. If you decide to use sprays, consider your area and who lives with you.

Pets and children are known for exploring and playing in all corners, so you don’t want something that might cause a reaction. Natural formulas are safe for pets and children, but they may require more applications to be effective.

You also want to be careful treating areas of your home that you use to prepare food. Don’t use harsh chemicals or synthetic repellents around those areas because you may contaminate your food.
One of our options on the list is even food safe so you can treat the kitchen safely. The kitchen is notorious for attracting pests, so that’s a good option if you’re seeing stink bugs or other types of pests.

The benefit of household sprays is you don’t want to have to put repellent on your body in your own home. They discourage bugs from larger areas. The downside is that you have to be really careful what’s in your spray before you use it.

Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic repellents take an entirely different approach. Ultrasonic repellents use a high-frequency sound that pests and vermin can hear, but is inaudible to humans. As it emits the frequency, it sends bugs running.

Ultrasonic repellents are tied to your outlets. They have to plug in, and you need to think about where your outlets are. Coverage zones should overlap slightly so there aren’t any paths where bugs can travel outside of the frequency.

One benefit of ultrasonic is that you don’t have to remember to reapply repellent. It works in the background to repel bugs with little effort on your part. The downside to these is they might not always work if your infestation is severe.

Studies are still out on ultrasonic protection, but it’s worth the effort to reduce the number of chemicals present in your household.

Classic repellents used ingredients like DEET, undoubtedly useful but harsh on your skin and the environment. If you’re applying it directly to your skin or that of your child, you may not want harsh chemicals.

Many nontoxic formulas use essential oils that are noxious to bugs. Some examples are citrus oils, peppermint, cedar, and lemongrass. These ingredients help discourage insects from those areas of your body or your home.

If you really don’t want to use sprays, you might give ultrasonic repellents a try. There’s no chemical to work around and nothing to have to reapply.

Repellents are a big part of making sure your outdoor time and your household are safe from pests like stink bugs. Until you can kill all the bugs everywhere, repellents help keep them away from you and your house.

What’s your favorite outdoor activity? Is it frequently ruined by pests like stink bugs? Let us know in the comments below.