Stink bugs often invade homes in large groups seeking warmth during colder months. This invasive species get their name from emitting a defensive chemical spray when they feel threatened or disturbed.
These brown marmorated stink bugs, distinct from common pests such as cockroaches, termites, and wasps, are an invasive species originally from Eastern Asia.
If stink bugs have found entry points into your home, you’re probably wondering whether this foul odor of theirs will make you or your pets sick. You may wonder what’s inside this chemical spray, and if it is harmful to you or your pets.
In this article I’m sharing my experience as a professional pest control technician, to help you understand and manage this invasive species.
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What Are Stink Bugs Actually Spraying Out?
First things first: what are stink bugs actually spraying out?
Well, there are a couple of different pheromones these insects use to attract mates, alert other stink bugs to suitable living spaces and ward off predators. This chemical is the smelliest of them all, and humans encounter this one more often than not.
When stink bugs find a large piece of food to eat or a suitable place to seek refuge for the long, brutal winter, they release what’s known as the aggregation pheromone.
This chemical triggers a signal to nearby stink bugs to come closer and check out what the original stink bug found, be it a food supply or a shelter. This doesn’t stink; this chemical is separate from the stink bugs’ defense mechanisms. Aggregation pheromones are odorless and simply serve to attract other stink bugs to resources. The pheromones are species-specific, meaning they only attract other stink bugs of the same species.
Read More: How to get rid of stink bugs
Another of the stink bug’s secretions is an attractant pheromone to locate a possible mate. What is interesting about the stink bug is that the usual male-to-female order of things applies — but this isn’t the only configuration that’s attracted to the pheromone.
Other males, nymphs, and sometimes even other species of stink bugs have sometimes responded to these pheromones. The attraction pheromones help stink bugs identify potential mates, even though they may inadvertently attract other stink bugs as well. The pheromones have a musty, cilantro-like odor to humans.
Normally, these chemicals don’t have that much of a smelly scent to humans — just other insects.
When stink bugs are threatened, they release a chemical made up of alkanes, aldehydes, and esters.
What this means for those of us who aren’t scientists: stink bugs emit an odor that’s built from chemicals commonly found in cilantro. Many people liken the stink of a stink bug to high-powered cilantro, while some others compare it to the spray of a skunk. Others, still, place the stench somewhere in between the two. The defense chemicals produce a pungent, long-lasting smell when released. The compounds remain on surfaces and skin even after stink bugs are removed.
When a stink bug feels endangered, it squeezes out a spray of this chemical to repel the predator. This is what makes stink bugs “stink” so badly — their secretion of a foul odor is all in the hope that the predator will retreat. The spray is not a poison, just an unpleasant odor meant to deter predators. Still, it can cause asthma attacks in sensitive individuals if inhaled.
Are Stink Bugs Poisonous?
You are likely wondering what the risks are if stink bugs decide to overwinter in your home. Stink bugs put off a defensive secretion that, while foul-smelling, is not poisonous. This chemical can be difficult to wash off and cause nausea due to its strong odor, but it doesn’t pose a serious health risk.
If your dog or cat accidentally eats a stink bug, it might experience minor stomach upset. Stink bugs are not toxic so there’s no need for concern. Some people might have allergic reactions to the stink bug’s chemicals, but these reactions are rare and typically mild.
Their Secretions
If you have the misfortune of staining your hands with a stink bug’s smelly parting gift — its defense secretion — have no fear.
This chemical isn’t poisonous at all, just incredibly unpleasant-smelling. You’ll have a hard time washing it off your hands, but it definitely won’t make you sick. The chemical is not toxic — though the odor can be nauseating. Use soap and water to remove the smell from your skin. Avoid touching your face and eyes after handling stink bugs. Some people do exerience allergic reactions to the chemicals released by stink bugs.
The smell could make your stomach turn.
Swallowing Them Whole
You might be concerned if your dog or cat eats a stink bug by accident.
Your furry friend may have an interesting time digesting this foreign food item, but that’s all. Stink bugs won’t cause any sort of illness in your pet, so no frenzied trips to the vet are necessary.
Stink bugs are not toxic if ingested, though pets may experience minor stomach upset from eating them. There is no need to induce vomiting unless your pet eats a large number of stink bugs.
Are Stink Bugs Dangerous?
While stink bugs aren’t “poisonous,” as a normal homeowner, you may be concerned that they pose a threat.
Well, unless you’re a farmer or someone who likes to maintain a healthy gardening habit, no, stink bugs are not dangerous to humans or pets. However, they can wreak havoc on crops and garden plants.
Stink bugs feed on various vegetable, fruit, and grain crops. They use their needle-like mouths to feed, leaving behind a necrotic-looking fruit. The feeding damage can ruin vegetable and fruit harvests, making stink bugs a costly threat for farmers and gardeners.
Do Stink Bugs Bite?
You may be wondering if stink bugs bite. Stink bugs do not bite humans. Their mouths are adapted for feeding on plants by slurping sugary fluids, not for biting or piercing human skin. If you’ve ever seen a stink bug up close, you’ll notice their peculiar mouth structure, resembling a folded straw underneath their body. Despite their unique appearance, stink bugs are incapable of biting people. Unlike insects that use straw-like mouths to suck blood, stink bugs lack the ability to pierce human skin with their mouths, which are designed exclusively for plant feeding.
You can rest assured that stink bugs pose no biting threat to you or your family.
Final Thoughts on Stink Bug Dangers
Despite their smelly reputations, stink bugs are harmless to humans and animals but can cause significant damage to fruits and vegetables. Stink bugs are not poisonous.
If you get their predator-deterrent secretion on your hands or your pet accidentally eats one, there’s no need to worry they won’t hurt you. However, stink bugs can harm crops and become a major nuisance when they invade homes. Remove any stink bugs you find indoors promptly to prevent further infestations.
While stink bugs are not dangerous to humans, they are a major nuisance and can damage agriculture. Their foul-smelling spray is merely a defense mechanism — unpleasant but non-toxic. I recommend if you find stink bugs, promptly take action to eliminate them and remove them from your home.
FAQs About Stink Bugs
Are stink bugs poisonous to pets?
No, stink bugs are not poisonous to pets. Eating one may cause minor stomach aches, but does not require medical treatment unless many stink bugs are ingested.
How long does the stink bug smell last?
The pungent odor from a stink bug’s defensive spray can last for several hours on surfaces and skin. Thorough cleaning with soap and water is required to fully remove the smell.
What attracts stink bugs into homes?
Stink bugs enter homes through small cracks and openings seeking shelter as temperatures drop in autumn. Keeping your home well-sealed can help prevent infestations.
What plants do stink bugs attack?
Stink bugs feed on many fruits, vegetables, and grains. Some of their favorite crops include tomatoes, apples, peaches, corn, soybeans, peppers, and more. They pierce the plant tissue to feed, causing necrosis.
How do you make stink bugs go away?
To get rid of stink bugs, vacuum up any you see inside. Use screens, caulk, and weatherstripping to seal any entry points on windows, doors, and exterior walls. Traps and repellents can also help reduce populations around your home.
