Stink Bugs

Overview

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed. Many other insects have these same characteristics, including some species of ants, beetles and other bugs, but you can recognize a stink bug via its distinctive shape, with a flatter top leading toward a pointed bottom, reminiscent of a shield. Additionally, stink bugs can fly and are pretty good at it!

Stink bugs are considered an invasive species, meaning a pest of foreign origin. So where do stink bugs come from? They were first introduced to the United States from Eastern Asia in the mid-1990s. Their native range includes China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. They are also referred to as the yellow-brown or East Asian stink bug.

Stink bugs were first collected in the United States in Allentown, PA in the fall of 1996, but apparently not recognized or identified until September 2001. They quickly spread east to New Jersey, then Virginia by 2004, and now southward to the North Carolina border. Today, brown marmorated stink bugs are most prevalent in the mid-Atlanta region, but they have been identified in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Read on to learn about stink bugs, including information on identifying a stink bug infestation, and how to get rid of them.

What Stink Bugs Look Like

Stink bugs are characterized as both “large, oval-shaped insects” and “shield-shaped insects.” Adult stink bugs can reach almost 2 cm in length. They are nearly as wide as they are long. Their legs extend from the sides, making adult stink bugs appear even larger. The brown marmorated stink bug is a brownish stink bug. It has lighter bands on the antennae and darker bands on the wings.

Immature stink bugs, called nymphs, are very tiny when they hatch from their eggs. Nymphs of the brown marmorated stink bug are yellow and red. As they grow, the yellow fades to white. They have bright red eyes during the nymph stage of their life cycle. The nymphs molt or shed their skin five times. Each time a stink bug nymph molts, it becomes larger. By the last molt, the nymphs are almost as large as adult stink bugs.

Stink bugs get their name from the unpleasant odor they produce when they are threatened. It is thought that this odor helps protect the bugs against predators. The stink bugs produce the smelly chemical in a gland on their abdomen. Some species can actually spray the chemical several inches. The smell has often been compared to strong herbs and spices like cilantro and coriander.

Interestingly, the composition of the odor is comprised of chemicals commonly used as food additives and is present in cilantro. This smell can linger for hours so, if possible, try to avoid crushing stink bugs or carefully sweep or vacuum them up if they have entered your house.

Behavior & Habitat

Stink bugs get their name from the unpleasant odor they produce when they are threatened. It is thought that this odor helps protect the bugs against predators. The stink bugs produce the smelly chemical in a gland on their abdomen. Some species can actually spray the chemical several inches. The smell has often been compared to strong herbs and spices like cilantro and coriander.

Interestingly, the composition of the odor is comprised of chemicals commonly used as food additives and is present in cilantro. This smell can linger for hours so, if possible, try to avoid crushing stink bugs or carefully sweep or vacuum them up if they have entered your house.

Signs of an Infestation

Homeowners often find stink bugs inside during the late summer months as well as autumn, when temperatures outside start to drop. Finding large numbers of live or dead stink bugs is a telltale sign of an infestation. Stink bugs will turn up on sunny sides of homes where they warm themselves. Growers often detect an infestation by the damage they cause to their crops.

If a stink bug infestation has developed inside the home or building, contact a licensed pest control professional to evaluate the problem and recommend an appropriate strategy for stink bug control. The expert will remove this invasive species from your home and also help identify the access points for this invasive species.

Prevention & Control

Homeowners can take several steps to prevent a stink bug infestation in their home. Strategies include sealing cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings. If you’re wondering where do stink bugs come from, typical entry points include around door and window frames, electrical outlets, light switches, ceiling fans, skylights and ceiling light fixtures. Use a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced. Stink bugs are attracted to light, so change exterior lighting to less-attractive yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights. If you need to know how to get rid of stink bugs that have already entered a home or building, a vacuum cleaner can aid in the removal of live or dead stink bugs. The bag must be discarded to prevent odor from permeating the area. After stink bugs have entered the structure, it is best to isolate the affected room or rooms by sealing the bugs out. Since harming sting bugs can release their odor and attract other stink bugs, it’s best to avoid a DIY approach to removal. If an infestation has developed inside the home or building, a licensed pest control professional should be called to evaluate and assess the problem. A professional can also pre-treat for stink bugs in the late summer or fall just prior to bug congregation.

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Common questions about Stink Bugs

What do Stink Bugs look like?

Stink bugs are characterized as both “large, oval-shaped insects” and “shield-shaped insects.” Adult stink bugs can reach almost 2 cm in length. They are nearly as wide as they are long. Their legs extend from the sides, making adult stink bugs appear even larger. The brown marmo

What are signs of Stink Bugs?

Homeowners often find stink bugs inside during the late summer months as well as autumn, when temperatures outside start to drop. Finding large numbers of live or dead stink bugs is a telltale sign of an infestation. Stink bugs will turn up on sunny sides of homes where they warm

How do I get rid of Stink Bugs?

Homeowners can take several steps to prevent a stink bug infestation in their home. Strategies include sealing cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings. If you’re wondering where do stink bugs come fro

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