How to Make a Homemade Stink Bug Trap: DIY Guide for Pest Control

Are stink bugs turning your home into their personal hangout spot? Don't let these unwanted guests take over your space!


With a simple stink bug trap DIY idea, you can take control of the situation and bid farewell to those pesky insects for good.

Tools and Materials:

  • A shallow container
  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • A light source (such as a desk lamp or flashlight)
  • Cardboard or paper
  • Tape

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Homemade stink bug trap tutorial

1. Choose the Perfect Location

First, decide where you are going to set up your trap.


it's crucial to place it in the right spot for maximum effectiveness. Stink bugs are commonly found near windows, doors, and other entry points, so consider placing the trap in these areas.


Additionally, positioning the trap in dark or shaded areas can increase its attractiveness to the bugs.


When deciding whether to place the trap inside or outside your home, consider the severity of the stink bug infestation.


Placing the trap on the outside near entry points can intercept stink bugs before they invade your home. However, if you're dealing with a significant indoor infestation, placing the trap indoors can also be effective.

Constructing a ramp for stink bug trap

2. Choose a Container and Create an Entry Point

Opt for a shallow container large enough to hold the stink bugs. I used a deep lid from an old box.

Getting rid of stink bugs

To guide the stink bugs towards the trap, create a makeshift ramp using cardboard or a thin sheet of metal.


I needed to stabilize the ramp so I double-sided taped a bag clip to the container and placed the metal sheet on top. This allowed the sheet to remain in place.

Stink bug control

3. Add Soapy Water

Mix up a cup of soapy water. Fill the container halfway with the mixture.

How to trap stink bugs

The soap helps break the surface tension of the water, making it difficult for the bugs to escape once they fall in.

Homemade stink bug trap

4. Set Up the Light Source

Place the light source directly over the container of soapy water. Stink bugs are attracted to light, so they will be drawn towards the source.


To enhance the attractiveness of the trap, you can cover the light with cardboard or paper, leaving only a small opening for the bugs to enter.


5. Monitor and Empty the DIY Stink Bug Trap

Check the trap regularly to see if any stink bugs have been captured. Once the container is filled with bugs, empty it into a sealed bag and dispose of them properly.


Refill the trap with fresh water and soap to continue attracting and trapping stink bugs.


More Pest Control Ideas

If you’re looking for additional ways to get rid of stink bugs, find out How To Make a Stink Bug Repellent With Dryer Sheets in this tutorial.


Stink Bug Trap DIY Idea

With your homemade trap in place, you're well-equipped to tackle any invasion that comes your way.


Now, it's time to put your trap to the test and get rid of stink bugs once and for all!

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