Stink bugs find entry points into your home and can become an infestation no homeowner wants to deal with. They are an invasive species that are native to Eastern Asia, including Japan and were first reported in the United States in Pennsylvania. Stink bugs release an unpleasant odor as a defense mechanism and can appear in large numbers. There are many species of stink bugs.
If you have a stink bug infestation, it’s time for pest control. When removing these pests, you may be wondering if stink bugs bite humans, and if they spread diseases.
If you find predatory stink bugs in your home, this article explains what you need to know — whether stink bugs bite, what these bugs eat, and if they are a danger to you and your family.
The Mouth of a Stink Bug
Unless you’re an entomologist, chances are you’ve never seen an adult stink bug’s mouthparts up close and personal.
Not every insect has the same type of mouth, which is why the term “mouthparts” is used. It identifies the specific setup each insect has for intaking its food.
The mouthparts of stink bugs are unconventional and differ from other household pests like bed bugs, cockroaches, and wasps. It’s also important to note that stink bugs emit a foul odor as a defense mechanism, so stink bug control differs from controlling other household pests.
Stink Bug Mouthparts
The mouthparts of a stinkbug are largely regarded to be like a needle.
This “needle” pierces into the skin of the fruit or vegetable and extracts nutrients, sucking them upwards. Stink bugs tend to favor foods with a hard outer layer that they can puncture with their mouthparts, almost like a syringe. They commonly feed on ornamental plants along with fruits and vegetables.
Do Stink Bugs Have Teeth?
Brown marmorated stink bugs (the kind you’ll see swarming through your house to overwinter) don’t have any teeth. They do not need them for their diet or defense mechanisms. The diet of the brown marmorated stink bug is mostly based on plant sap instead of preying on other insects.
Another species of stink bug — adult tree stink bugs — are brown in color and appear similar to the brown marmorated stink bug. The adult tree stink bugs DO have teeth. However, there are two reasons not to fret about this.
- The teeth on the adult tree stink bug are located along the ‘shoulder blades’ and cannot be used to bite.
- Adult tree stink bugs won’t invade your home, and will generally stay out of your way.
Based on this finding alone, it’s safe to say that stink bugs can’t bite.
Do Stink Bugs Sting?
It’s natural to wonder whether to be concerned about a stink bug sting, especially since their mouthparts are shaped like a needle.
Stink bugs are not poisonous and do not pose a danger to humans or pets. They don’t carry infectious diseases or have any venom, so they are non-toxic. Stink bugs don’t bite or sting. Your biggest worry with them will be the foul odor they emit as a defense mechanism.
Strictly Vegetarians
Stink bugs are herbivores — they subsist wholly on a plant-based diet, feeding primarily on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Dr. Jorge Parada of the National Pest Management Association confirms this in the video below.
In addition to their herbivorous diet, stink bugs do not bite or sting. This means they will never use their specialized needle-like mouthparts to sting humans or animals. You can rest assured that stink bugs will never “sting” you, your children, or your pets, so there is no need to worry about any bodily harm from encountering a stink bug.
Do stink bugs have teeth?
Brown marmorated stink bugs don’t have any teeth. A different species of stink bug are brown in color and appear similar to the brown marmorated stink bug, and these DO have teeth.
Can Stink Bugs Cause an Allergic Reaction?
Stink bugs can potentially cause allergic reactions in some individuals with sensitive skin. When threatened or crushed, stink bugs may release a fluid from scent glands as a defense mechanism. This fluid can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, or in rare cases, respiratory issues. It’s advisable to handle stink bugs with caution, especially if you have known sensitivities or allergies to insect secretions.
Final Thoughts
While they are pesky, stink bugs are virtually harmless to humans and animals. Their only line of defense is their classic “stink,” which they release when they feel threatened — or during the process of death. They won’t bite, they won’t sting with their mouthparts, and they won’t cause any physical pain to you or your family. They’re annoying and unsettling, but not dangerous by any stretch.
Their mouthparts, shaped like a needle, are designed exclusively for feeding on plant sap, not for biting or stinging. This means you can safely handle stink bugs without fear of being bitten or stung. Their diet consists entirely of plants, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
While encountering stink bugs is distasteful due to their odor and sheer numbers, they are essentially benign creatures that do not pose a health risk. I recommend if faced with a stink bug infestation, contacting a professional pest control company to remove them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do stink bugs eat?
Stink bugs are herbivores. They commonly feed on ornamental plants along with fruits and vegetables.
Do stink bugs bite?
No. Stink bugs don’t bite or sting. Your biggest worry with them will be the foul odor they emit as a defense mechanism.
Where did stink bugs come from?
Stink bugs are a native species to Eastern Asia. They came to the United States in the mid-1990’s.
Why are stink bugs attracted to your home?
Stink bugs are attracted to warm homes and seek shelter during winter months. They enter your home through cracks and openings. Light will also attract stink bugs to your home.
