Stink Bugs and Cedar Spray
Many homeowners and gardeners look for ways to keep stink bugs away without having to kill them. Many people wonder if cedar spray can be an effective tool for repelling stink bugs.
Cedar has been used as an insect repellant for many years. People have built cedar closets in their homes. They have also used cedar hangers and put cedar blocks in dresser drawers to keep moths away from their clothes.
Some studies suggest that the cedar repels insects because of the smell of the cedar oil. However, other studies suggest that the cedar might only work in a confined area, like a closet. Some scientists suspect that the cedar might be less effective if it were sprayed outdoors. They think that the breeze could blow the cedar odor away.
Since stink bugs come into homes from outdoors, a spray barrier could be applied around all of the doors and windows. The spray barrier could also be applied on the foundation. Because rain and weather will affect the spray barrier, it will need to be re-applied from time to time. For this reason, some people fear that using cedar spray for these barrier applications could become expensive.
Many homeowners prefer to use mechanical methods to prevent stink bugs from invading their homes. They feel that it is cheaper and less frustrating than trying to get rid of stink bugs after they have invaded. Here are some steps that can help.
Around the home, inspect for cracks and openings that stink bugs might use as entryways. Seal cracks around doors and windows with caulking. Use screen to protect vents in attics and crawl spaces. Use weather-stripping to seal gaps under exterior doors.
In the late summer and fall, inspect the yard. Remove boards, boxes, and other clutter where stink bugs could hide during the winter. Move firewood away from the house and stack it on a rack. Trim weeds and grass, even around fences and drainage ditches.
These steps will help ensure that stink bugs do not spend the winter inside or around the home. The result will be fewer stink bugs next spring.