If you have ever opened your laundry room door and found a few stink bugs chilling near your clean clothes or crawling on the window, you are not alone. These smelly little intruders do not bite or sting, but their awful odor can ruin your day in seconds. Especially when you accidentally squash them on your freshly cleaned laundry. That is exactly where a smart and easy solution like a bug trap for laundry comes in handy.
People across the country are now turning to homemade solutions, and the bug trap for laundry using the two-bottle trick is one of the most effective options out there. This article walks you through a DIY method that is budget-friendly, safe, and actually works. Along the way, we will explore other proven stink bug removal tricks, expert insights, and some quick prevention tips to make sure your laundry room stays bug-free for good.
Bug trap for laundry: Simple, cheap, and highly effective
If you are tired of chasing stink bugs around your laundry room, the two-bottle trick is about to become your favorite tool. This bug trap for laundry is built using two plastic bottles, a small light, some black spray paint, and masking tape. It works by luring stink bugs into the bottle with a light, where they get trapped and cannot escape. No harmful sprays, no expensive gadgets, and no weird smells. The smooth surface inside the bottle makes it impossible for the bugs to climb back out. Plus, it is easy to set up in any corner of the laundry area without taking up space or drawing attention. Whether you are dealing with a few bugs or a full invasion, this method is a reliable and chemical-free solution that delivers fast results.
Overview Table: Stink Bug Traps and Methods at a Glance
| Method | Key Features and Benefits |
| Two-Bottle Trap | Uses light and bottle design to trap bugs in laundry areas |
| DIY Soapy Pan Trap | Soapy water and light setup drowns stink bugs overnight |
| Sticky Tape Trap | Duct tape and a light attract and catch bugs, simple and cheap |
| Vacuum Bag Trap | Fast method using vacuum cleaner, ideal for small infestations |
| Sealing Entry Points | Prevent bugs from entering by sealing windows, doors, and vents |
| Turning Off Outdoor Lights | Reduces bug attraction to the home during the evening |
| Yard Maintenance | Trimmed shrubs and clean yard reduce nearby bug activity |
| Proper Food Storage | Keeping fruits and vegetables sealed keeps bugs from being drawn indoors |
| Essential Oils as Repellents | Natural oils like peppermint and clove repel stink bugs from laundry areas |
| Repeating Traps Nightly | Consistency is key in eliminating stink bug presence indoors |
DIY Soapy Pan Trap
This trap is simple, effective, and surprisingly powerful. All you need is a shiny roasting pan, dish soap, and a desk lamp. Fill the pan with two quarts of water and add two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Stir it well, place the pan in the laundry room, and shine a light over it. Stink bugs are naturally drawn to light sources, and once they approach the lit-up surface, they fall in and cannot escape. The soap coats their wings and body, making it impossible for them to fly or climb out. What makes this method so impressive is that it outperformed many store-bought traps during tests. Volunteers using this trick found it caught 14 times more stink bugs than commercial options.
DIY Plastic Bottle Trap
This is where the real bug trap for laundry magic happens. You will need a used soft drink bottle, black spray paint, masking tape, and a battery-operated light. First, paint the outside of the bottle black to create a dark, enclosed space. Then cut off the top of the bottle, place the light inside, and invert the cut piece like a funnel before taping it back on. Add vertical strips of tape along the outside to help bugs climb up. At night, turn on the light and place the trap in a dark laundry room. Stink bugs will be drawn to the glow, crawl up the tape, enter the bottle, and get stuck inside. Empty it the next day and repeat until the problem is gone. It is a clean, non-toxic way to win the battle.
DIY Sticky Trap
This method uses everyday supplies and is a quick fix when you need to catch a few bugs. Take a piece of cardboard and cover it with duct tape, sticky side facing up. Place it near a light source in your laundry area, making sure the room is otherwise dark. The idea is that stink bugs fly toward the light, land on the sticky tape, and get stuck. While this is not the most effective method for heavy infestations, it does help in reducing numbers when combined with other methods. It is simple, mess-free, and easy to dispose of.
Trap in a Vacuum Bag
When you spot just a few stink bugs crawling around your laundry room, using a vacuum cleaner is a quick way to get rid of them. Choose a vacuum with a disposable bag, suck the bugs up, and then seal and throw the bag in an outdoor trash can. If you are using a bagless vacuum, be sure to empty it far away from your house. According to experts, this method works best for minor infestations. Just make sure not to crush the bugs inside the vacuum, or you will be dealing with the smell for days.
5 Tips to Prevent Stink Bugs From Entering Your Home
- Seal entry points: Walk around your house and seal cracks, gaps, and tiny openings around doors, windows, vents, and laundry room walls.
- Limit outdoor lighting: Stink bugs are strongly attracted to lights. Keep outdoor and unnecessary indoor lights off during evenings.
- Clean your yard: Bugs love shady, cluttered areas. Keeping bushes trimmed and your yard clean makes a big difference.
- Store food correctly: Do not leave fresh produce uncovered. Stink bugs are drawn to the smell of fruits and vegetables.
- Use essential oils: Spraying peppermint or clove oil near windows, doors, and laundry baseboards repels stink bugs without chemicals.
FAQs
1. What is the easiest way to trap stink bugs in the laundry room?
The two-bottle trick is one of the easiest and most reliable methods. It requires basic materials and works without any harmful chemicals.
2. How often should I use the bug trap for laundry?
Set the trap every night until you no longer see stink bugs. Consistency is key to keeping your laundry area clear.
3. Can I use these traps in other parts of the house?
Yes, these traps can be used in bedrooms, kitchens, garages, or anywhere stink bugs are found.
4. Are essential oils really effective in repelling stink bugs?
Yes, peppermint and clove oil are natural deterrents. They help keep stink bugs away when sprayed around windows and doors.
5. Do stink bugs damage clothing in the laundry?
They do not eat or damage clothing, but they can leave a bad smell if crushed or disturbed, especially on warm fabrics.