Why Do Stink Bugs Invade Homes?

Stink bugs are primarily outdoor insects, but when temperatures drop in the fall, they look for warm, sheltered spots to overwinter. They are attracted to light and heat, which is why you might find them gathering on the sunny sides of buildings. Once they find a way in—through cracks, gaps, or open windows—they settle in attics, wall voids, or other quiet, undisturbed areas of the home.

Though stink bugs don’t reproduce indoors, they can emerge in large numbers when temperatures rise, leading to an overwhelming (and smelly) infestation if they aren’t removed.

How to Identify Stink Bugs

Stink bugs have a few distinctive features that make them easy to recognize:

• Shape and Size: Stink bugs are shield-shaped, with a broad, flat body. Adults range from ½ to ¾ inches in length.
• Color: The most common stink bug, the brown marmorated stink bug, has a mottled brown and gray coloration, with alternating dark and light bands on the edges of their wings and abdomen.
• Antennae and Legs: Their antennae have light and dark bands, and their legs are typically brown with the same alternating pattern.
• Odor: The biggest giveaway is the strong, unpleasant smell they emit when threatened or crushed. The odor is released from scent glands located on the underside of their body.

The Environmental Impact of Stink Bugs

Though they are a nuisance indoors, stink bugs are also agricultural pests that can cause significant damage to crops. They feed on a wide variety of plants, fruits, and vegetables, using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract juices from plants. This can result in discolored or damaged fruit, leading to economic losses for farmers.

While their impact on homes is more of an annoyance than a threat, their presence in gardens and farms can be far more destructive.

How to Prevent Stink Bugs from Entering Your Home

Keeping stink bugs out is all about sealing up entry points and minimizing their access to your warm, cozy spaces. Here are some simple prevention tips:

1. Seal Cracks and Gaps: Stink bugs can enter through tiny cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and siding. Inspect your home’s exterior and seal any openings with caulk, weatherstripping, or screens.
2. Close Windows and Doors: Keep windows and doors closed, especially during the fall when stink bugs are actively seeking shelter. Installing door sweeps and fixing torn screens can also help keep them out.
3. Turn Off Outdoor Lights: Stink bugs are attracted to light, so minimizing outdoor lighting in the evening can help reduce their presence around your home.
4. Inspect Items Brought Indoors: Stink bugs often hitch a ride on plants, firewood, or even patio furniture. Before bringing anything indoors, check it thoroughly to make sure you’re not inadvertently inviting these pests inside.
5. Use a Vacuum for Removal: If stink bugs do make it indoors, resist the urge to squash them. Instead, use a vacuum to suck them up and dispose of them in a sealed bag. This prevents triggering their odor.

Spotting Stink Bugs: What to Do

If you spot stink bugs indoors, the key is to remove them quickly without causing them to release their odor. A vacuum is often the best solution for this, as it allows you to safely remove them without touching or crushing them. Once collected, seal the vacuum bag and dispose of it outside.

If the infestation is more significant, you may need to inspect your home’s exterior for entry points and take additional steps to seal them up. Prevention is key to ensuring they don’t keep coming back year after year.