I’ve met countless stink bugs in my line of work. These shield-shaped insects from the Pentatomidae family are notorious for their defense mechanism: emitting a foul odor. But while this odor might make you recoil, stink bugs are more of a nuisance than a threat to homeowners. They won’t harm you or damage your home.
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Where Do Stink Bugs Come From?
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), one of the most commonly encountered stink bug species in the United States, is actually native to East Asia, making it an invasive species. It was accidentally introduced to the United States in the late 1990s, possibly in shipping containers. It was first discovered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1996.
The BMSB has spread rapidly across North America and is now found in most U.S. states and in Canada. These stink bugs inhabit orchards, gardens, and wooded areas during warm months. They feed on a variety of plants and crops, causing significant damage to agriculture.
As temperatures cool in fall, stink bugs seek warm places to spend the winter, which is when they often enter homes and buildings and can cause an infestation.
Do Stink Bugs Bite?
If you ever see a stink bug up close, you’ll notice its strange-looking mouth — like a straw folded up underneath its body.
While some insects use straw-like mouths to suck blood, stink bugs are not among them. They use their mouths to slurp sugary fluids from plants. Almost all species of stink bugs are physically incapable of biting humans. Their mouths can only pierce plants, not human skin.
Are Stink Bugs Poisonous?
You might assume stink bugs are poisonous because their smell is so horrible, but they aren’t poisonous and have no venom. When threatened, they release bad-smelling secretions from glands in their abdomens — hence the unpleasant odor.
The only toxicity problem with stink bugs is that some people are sensitive to their odors and can experience an allergic reaction.
Can Stink Bugs Damage My Home?
Stink bugs don’t cause structural damage, but they can be a nuisance in the home.
When it starts to get colder and darker as winter approaches, they like to hide in and around homes because they’re a great source of warmth and moisture. A few scattered stink bugs don’t cause a big problem, but if you get many of them, they can be annoying because the smell builds up.
It’s worth treating a large indoor infestation, but otherwise, it’s really up to you whether it bothers you or not. Many people prefer to just scoop them up and toss them outside when they find them or ignore them altogether.
Can Stink Bugs Damage My Garden?
This is the one way that stink bugs pose a real threat. Stink bugs love plants and can destroy many different types of crops. Common garden plants like tomatoes, peppers, and corn are susceptible to stink bug damage.
It can be hard to tell when stink bugs have struck, though. Unlike other insects that chew and swallow plant material, stink bugs simply suck the juice out of what they consume — so you may open what seems to be a healthy ear of corn to find all the kernels shriveled.
Some plants will even stay green long after being attacked by stink bugs, so if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you can be unpleasantly surprised come harvest time. You can use stink bug traps to help control these pests in your garden.
The good news is stink bugs aren’t common pests in home gardens. It’s usually big agricultural operations that get huge infestations. A few stink bugs here and there isn’t the end of the world for plants. It’s only an issue when they congregate in huge numbers.
How to Prevent Stink Bugs
While stink bugs aren’t dangerous, they can certainly be a nuisance. Here are some effective ways to prevent these odorous pests from invading your home:
- Seal entry points: Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes, especially around windows, doors, and utility lines. Seal these openings with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Use screens: Install or repair screens on windows, doors, and vents to keep stink bugs out while allowing ventilation.
- Reduce outdoor lighting: Stink bugs are attracted to lights. Consider using yellow or sodium vapor lights outside, which are less attractive to insects.
- Keep your yard tidy: Remove piles of leaves, wood, and other debris near your home where stink bugs might congregate.
- Maintain your garden: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of stink bugs and promptly remove any you find.
- Use natural repellents: Plant mint, garlic, or chrysanthemums around your home’s perimeter, as these plants can deter stink bugs.
- Vacuum regularly: If you spot stink bugs indoors, vacuum them up and dispose of the bag immediately to prevent odor spread.
- Consider professional treatment: For persistent problems, consult pest management professionals who can apply targeted treatments around your home’s exterior.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a stink bug infestation in your home. Remember, it’s easier to prevent an infestation than to deal with one after it occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, stink bugs don’t cause structural damage to homes. They’re more of a nuisance than a threat.
Stink bugs are attracted to homes for warmth and moisture, especially as the weather gets colder and darker with oncoming winter. Bright lights can also attract them, which is why I suggest reducing outdoor lighting or using yellow or sodium vapor lights.
No, stink bugs aren’t dangerous to pets. Even if a pet were to eat a stink bug, it wouldn’t be toxic or harmful to them.
Brown marmorated stink bugs have a shield-shaped body and are typically brown with a mottled pattern. They have six legs and antennae, and are about 5/8 inch long.
If a stink bug gets on you, it’s unlikely to cause harm. Stink bugs can’t bite humans, and they’re not poisonous. They could release their foul-smelling odor if they feel threatened. Some people might have a mild allergic reaction to this odor.
Final Thoughts
Stink bugs are far from dangerous. They are not completely harmless to have around because of their smell and the damage they can do to plants, but you don’t have to be afraid of them.
Usually, you won’t have to worry about them. If you ever have stink bugs, you should be able to get rid of them quickly, especially with help from a pest control professional.
