Stink bugs are harmless but annoying pests that seek warmth, food, and shelter in homes. They are herbivores and can damage crops and invade homes. They are not poisonous or venomous, but they can be a nuisance in the home and a threat to plants. To prevent and control stink bugs, learn how to use natural and professional methods.
Stink bugs produce a foul-smelling, non-poisonous defensive secretion that can be difficult to wash off and cause nausea due to its strong odor. If you don’t catch many, your problem is likely just an occasional stink bug. When dealing with stink bugs in the house, it is best to exclude them aggressively. Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) do not cause structural damage or reproduce in homes, but they do eat food crops.
While they are harmless to humans and pets, they can cause physical harm by spraying a pungent and unpleasant scent from their mouth. Virginia Tech entomologist Thomas Kuhar says there is no need to worry about outbreaks. If you notice stink bugs inside your home, avoid touching or squashing them, as they will produce the pungent smell for which they are famous. Grab them gently.
In summary, stink bugs are invasive insects that can be both harmful and beneficial. They are harmless to humans and pets but can cause significant damage to crops and homes. To effectively control stink bugs, learn how to identify them, create a soapy water trap, and seal off entry points to keep them away.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Found this bug in a house I just moved into. What is it? : r/ … | It’s a brown marmorated stink bug. Totally harmless to humans and pets, but an invasive agricultural pest. | reddit.com |
| What Attracts Stink Bugs to Your Home? | Although overwintering stink bugs can be a major nuisance, they do not damage structures, eat fabrics, or consume foods stored inside the home. | orkin.com |
| Should I Be Worried About Stink Bugs In My House? | Don’t worry. Stink bugs aren’t toxic. They just stink. But, it is important to keep in mind that stink bugs can spray that smelly liquid from their … | wittpm.com |
📹 Stink Bugs in Your House? How and why they are there, what they are doing, and what you can do.
Alien Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs were first documented near Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1998. By 2012 they had spread to 40 …
What Happens If A Stink Bug Bites You?
Most stink bug species do not bite or sting humans; however, a few rare species can inflict a bite if provoked, though such bites are not poisonous. Generally, if bitten, the discomfort may resemble that of a mosquito bite, leading to mild reactions rather than severe harm. Although a stink bug might land on or crawl over your skin, they do not possess the ability to pierce human skin with their mouthparts.
Stink bugs are not known to transmit diseases or cause physical harm, making them more of a nuisance than a threat to people or pets. Most often, any adverse reaction results from allergenic compounds released by stink bugs rather than from a bite itself. They typically perceive humans as too large to be threats, preferring to release a foul odor when disturbed rather than attack.
The brown marmorated stink bug is particularly common among homeowners; despite concerns, it rarely bites or stings. The good news for those uneasy about encounters with these insects is that stink bugs are harmless to both humans and pets, and they do not carry infectious diseases. Unlike kissing bugs, which can bite and cause harm, stink bugs are equipped with sucking mouthparts and do not engage in biting behavior.
Therefore, there’s little reason for concern regarding their presence, as actual bites are uncommon, and any discomfort from a potential bite typically resolves quickly without significant complication.
What Purpose Do Stink Bugs Serve?
Certain species of stink bugs are beneficial predatory insects that help safeguard crops by consuming pests like caterpillars and beetles. However, they can invade homes seeking warmth, posing a nuisance when the colder months approach. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, which typically measures about two centimeters and is distinguishable by its shield-like shape and banded antennae, is particularly notable in this regard. While stink bugs primarily gain notoriety as pests, they play crucial roles in the ecosystem.
Experts from Virginia Tech have observed this dual nature, highlighting that when threatened, stink bugs emit a pungent odor to ward off predators, including birds and fish. Interestingly, the damage they inflict on plants can also benefit other insects, as wounded plants may leak sap that attracts wasps and ants. Moreover, predatory stink bugs can help manage agricultural pest populations, making them valuable for biological pest control. Nevertheless, adult stink bugs and their nymphs can cause significant damage to crops by voraciously feeding on fruits and vegetables, leading to potential infestations.
In their natural environments, stink bugs are integral to nutrient cycling and the food web, acting as both predators and prey. To manage them in residential areas, eco-friendly treatment options are available, promoting natural and safe methods to keep stink bugs at bay.
What Scent Keeps Stink Bugs Away?
Garlic is an effective deterrent against stink bugs, while various essential oils have also been confirmed to repel them. A 2013 study in the Journal of Applied Entomology identified several essential oils such as clove, lemongrass, spearmint, and ylang-ylang as particularly effective. Lemongrass oil, in particular, emits a citrusy scent that signals stink bugs to stay away. To utilize lemongrass oil, apply a few drops where stink bugs frequently appear, like windowsills.
Certain scents attract insects, while others repel them. For instance, wiping pantry shelves with a mix of vinegar and essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, melaleuca (tea tree), and peppermint can help keep pantry bugs at bay. Additionally, creating a bug-repelling diffuser bracelet with these scents can be beneficial.
Stink bugs are averse to various scents, including garlic, mint, lavender, and citrus. Using an essential oil diffuser near entry points can significantly deter them from invading your space. DIY repellents can be made using essential oils such as peppermint, citrus, or lavender, which emit strong scents that stink bugs dislike.
Despite their smelly reputation, stink bugs are deterred by scents humans generally find pleasant. They produce an unpleasant odor from a gland in their abdomen when threatened or crushed, serving as a warning to others. To manage stink bugs without crushing them, consider using a mixture of dish soap (like Dawn) and water in a spray bottle to break down their exoskeleton effectively. Overall, knowing how to leverage certain essential oils can facilitate keeping stink bugs out of your home during the fall season.
Can Stink Bugs Cause Health Problems?
Stink bugs are generally harmless to humans, as they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. While their secretions may cause skin irritation or allergies in some individuals, they pose no significant health threat. These insects release a foul-smelling substance as a defense mechanism when threatened or accidentally crushed, which can be unpleasant but is not toxic. Stink bugs are common in urban areas and can enter homes through cracks and crevices.
Though stink bugs do not physically harm humans or pets, the strong odor they emit can be a nuisance. Their defensive secretion, while difficult to wash off and potentially nauseating due to its strong smell, does not present serious health risks. No medical literature supports the idea of stink bugs causing cutaneous injuries through contact.
Some individuals, however, may be allergic to the compounds released by stink bugs. In summary, stink bugs are not poisonous or dangerous; instead, they are more of an annoyance. Their presence might lead to discomfort due to their odor, but they are not known to cause disease or significant physical harm to people or pets.
To effectively manage stink bugs, homeowners can implement various strategies to reduce their presence. Ultimately, while stink bugs may trigger allergic reactions in a few individuals, they largely remain non-threatening insects that contribute minimally to any health concerns.
Should Stink Bugs Be Killed?
Killing or vacuuming stink bugs can release a foul odor, but this odor does not attract other insects. Stink bugs do not bite, sting, or cause structural damage, making them generally harmless. To prevent re-infestation, it’s essential to find and seal entry points into your home. The simplest way to kill a stink bug is by using a mixture of liquid dish soap and warm water. Fill a jar halfway with warm water, add enough soap to cover the bottom, and stir. Dropping the stink bug into this mixture will drown it. Alternatively, you can combine 32 ounces of water with ¾ cup of soap.
When you find a stink bug indoors, the best practice is to take it outside rather than crushing it, as this releases a strong, unpleasant odor. As cooler temperatures approach, stink bugs, especially the brown marmorated stink bug, tend to seek shelter in homes. While they may become a nuisance in colder months, infestations can often be addressed with DIY methods. These bugs can damage plants, but they pose no direct threat to humans or animals and are not known to carry diseases.
Consequently, any methods to eliminate them should focus on drowning rather than crushing, as crushed stink bugs emit a potent odor. To manage stink bugs effectively, prevention and careful handling are key, ensuring your home remains free of these pests while minimizing unpleasant smells.
Is It Normal To Have Stink Bugs In Your House?
Stink bugs are harmless insects that seek warmth indoors to survive the winter months. While inside homes, they do not bite, eat, or reproduce. As spring approaches, they emerge from their hiding spots to return outdoors. Notably, stink bugs emit a foul odor when crushed or disturbed, which can make their presence annoying, although they typically do not cause any structural damage. They are generally noticed in the fall when they enter homes and again in early spring as they look for mates outdoors.
In terms of size, mature stink bugs measure about half an inch and are not particularly large or odorous, with some comparing their smell to cilantro. While they pose no significant threat to homeowners, they may become a nuisance due to their unpleasant smell. Fortunately, there are natural and eco-friendly pest control methods available for those looking to eliminate them.
To prevent stink bugs from entering your home, it’s advisable to identify and seal any cracks, crevices, and gaps in structures, as they are attracted to warmth and shelter. They can commonly enter buildings through various potential entry points such as window frames, door frames, and attics.
In summary, stink bugs, especially the brown marmorated variety, do not pose risks to health or home integrity but can be problematic when they invade living spaces. By implementing proactive measures, homeowners can effectively reduce their chances of infestation during the colder months. Keeping informed about stink bug behavior and prevention techniques is essential for maintaining a stink bug-free environment.
What Do Stink Bugs Hate The Most?
Stink bugs are notably sensitive to scents, with certain essential oils acting as effective repellents. They tend to shy away from oils like clove, lemongrass, spearmint, and ylang-ylang. Among the various species of stink bugs, the brown marmorated stink bug is the most prevalent in the U. S. These pests can cause significant damage to plants, crops, and fruits, and their presence can disturb the tranquility of home life. While some individuals may not be too concerned about encountering these insects, they can quickly become a troublesome nuisance.
In addition to essential oils, other scents that repel stink bugs include citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and even household items like dryer sheets. The strong, unpleasant odors of these substances are unappealing to stink bugs and help deter them from invading homes and gardens. Homemade repellents can also be effective; for instance, a mixture of garlic powder or mint oil with water can create a spray that helps in keeping stink bugs at bay.
To effectively prevent stink bug infestations, homeowners can take proactive measures such as sealing windows and doors, using screens, and caulking any cracks in the home. It’s essential to remember that stink bugs release a foul odor when threatened or crushed, so it is best to avoid squashing them. Instead, traps made from common household items have been shown to outperform commercial traps. Being mindful of scents and taking preventive steps can help keep stink bugs away from homes and gardens. If you're wondering what smells stink bugs dislike, the answer includes various essential oils and even pantry staples like garlic and mint, which can be utilized to your advantage.
Why Do I Suddenly Have So Many Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs, particularly the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, can infiltrate homes through cracks and gaps in foundations, window frames, and siding. According to pest control expert Edson McLean, they often appear in large numbers, congregating in blinds, draperies, and light fixtures. These pests thrive outdoors from spring to early fall but seek indoor shelter as temperatures drop, entering homes during late summer to fall when they’re looking to hibernate in a warm place. In their search for warmth and shelter, they may be attracted to light sources and even leave scent trails.
Stink bugs emit a foul odor when squashed, which can attract more of them, making them unwelcome in homes. Their instinctive reaction to threats is to drop down, which can make capturing them easier. A simple solution for dealing with them involves placing a jar with soapy water underneath; when they drop, they can fall into the solution. Though often seen as pests due to their potential damage to crops, some stink bugs are beneficial as they prey on other insects.
To prevent stink bugs from entering your home, sealing cracks and crevices is key. It's also important to be cautious when handling them, as injuring them can trigger the release of their foul odor. Stink bugs typically seek shelter during cooler months and appear again in spring as they emerge from winter hibernation. Their presence in homes can become especially pronounced with the changing seasons, driven by the instincts to find food, warmth, and protection from the cold.
Where Do Stink Bugs Nest?
Stink bugs lay their eggs outdoors on the undersides of leaves, but they do not build nests. Instead, they hide in small, quiet areas and can be found congregating in groups indoors. These pests are attracted to warmth, food, and shelter, especially during cooler months when they seek warm places to hibernate and overwinter. Upon entering a home, stink bugs produce pheromones and may hide in cracks and crevices, favoring locations such as attics, walls, and crawl spaces.
With the arrival of spring, they emerge from their hiding spots, often seen around windowsills and door frames, drawn to light. Stink bugs thrive in various habitats like fields, forests, and gardens, but do not create nests. Instead, they are attracted to food sources like fruits and vegetables, raising concerns about their potential impact on agriculture, particularly in the UK, similar to their problematic presence in the US. While they reproduce year-round in warm climates, most adults hide under debris or in sheltered spots during winter.
Stink bugs typically enter homes through gaps, cracks, and holes in foundations, as they aggregate in advantageous locations rather than nesting, laying their eggs outside in spring rather than indoors.
How Do You Get Rid Of Stink Bugs Indoors?
To manage stink bugs indoors, insecticidal soap can be sprayed directly on them, or they can be trapped in soapy water and disposed of. They often hide in attics during winter; an electric bug zapper can be effective in this location. To prevent stink bugs from entering your home, careful sweeping or trapping is advised to avoid releasing their odor. As outdoor pests, stink bugs are drawn to many plants, but seek the warmth of homes when temperatures drop, entering a dormant phase where they neither feed nor move much.
To eliminate stink bugs, consider pest-proofing your home by sealing entry points. If you encounter a significant infestation, contacting a pest control service may be necessary. Natural methods for removal include vacuuming or using a combination of water and dish soap, insecticidal soap, or pyrethrin-based insecticides. Rubbing alcohol and diatomaceous earth may also be effective; the latter damages their exoskeletons.
Researchers suggest filling a foil roasting pan with water and dish soap as a method for attracting and killing them. Moreover, because stink bugs are attracted to light and warmth, changing outdoor lighting can serve as a deterrent. For additional pest management, a spray bottle with a mixture of white vinegar and water can effectively target other pests like ants. In summary, combining preventative strategies with effective removal techniques can help keep stink bugs at bay.
Can You Crush A Stink Bug?
If you encounter stink bugs in your home, there's no reason to panic as they are harmless to humans and structures. It is crucial, however, not to crush them. When threatened or crushed, stink bugs emit a strong, unpleasant odor due to the substance released from their scent glands, which is what gives them their name. To effectively remove stink bugs without creating a foul smell, vacuuming them is the simplest approach.
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is one of the most common types you may encounter. Crushing or killing them is inadvisable, as this will escalate the odor problem rather than solve it. Stink bugs produce this potent smell when disturbed, and this smell can actually attract more stink bugs. Therefore, squashing them is counterproductive.
Instead, utilize natural methods for removing stink bugs, such as using water or natural pesticides without direct contact. When handling stink bugs, it’s recommended to wear gloves and gently guide them into a disposable container. This, rather than crushing them, ensures no unpleasant odor is released, which can linger in your home.
To clean up if you accidentally crush one, wash the area thoroughly with dish soap to avoid spreading the odor. Remember that stink bugs can move slowly, making it easier to catch them and release them outdoors, especially in colder climates. Always prioritize methods that prevent the release of their smell, and avoid direct handling or squashing them to maintain a pest-free and odor-free home environment.
📹 Stink bug season: How to keep them out of your home
It’s springtime, and stink bugs are causing a stink! Here’s what to know about the bugs, as they emerge in full force this season.
As a Pest Management specialist I will agree that exclusion is the first and best option. Also if you notice stink bugs gathering on the outside or on the inside of your house in specific areas wash those effected areas with warm water and dish soap. Stink bugs deposit pheromones that attract other stink bugs. By washing the areas you see them at it will neutralize any deposited pheromones. Pesticides are also not really necessary. a mixture of warm water and dish soap will kill them by blocking their spiracles, little holes in their exoskeleton that they breath through and it will suffocate them.
One thing you forgot to mention is that stink bugs, when flying around, can land on certain people and cause a sever E.B.E. This happened to me. Lucky for me I was in the bathroom on the “Throne” at the time one landed on my back. E.B.E. stands for Emergency Bowel Evacuation. Scared the crap right out of me.
I don’t go out of my way to kill bugs. However, I converted a small shed into an office where I work all day. I get as many as 10-20 stink bugs on a bad day. I was releasing them outside, but I wasn’t sure if they were just coming back in again. So, now I take them outside and kill them to be sure. I don’t feel so bad now that I know they’re an invasive species (I believe mine are the brown marmorated ones). Very informative article. Now I know why they like to sit on my plant but I never see chewed leaves.
Great informative article. Thank you so much. I used to be a pest control tech. I mainly treated for termites, ants, roaches and mice. I never treated a property for stinkbugs. My home has been invaded with the little buggers for the past several years. I wasn’t sure how to combat them. Thanks to your article, I have a battle plan.
I’m in Idaho and have about an acre of land for my Farmers market. I used to grow all types of vegetables. One type was squash which is very easy to grow. But I had tomatoes, broccoli, radishes, lettuce, corn, and just about anything you could ever buy in your local produce department. Stink bugs killed my business in part. Way back when they started when people were unaware of this issue one year I saw the bug on my squash. I happen to be growing summer squash, zucchini in particular that year. It wasn’t just one they were eating the entire squash. I examined the plants leaves and on the back side there were millions of eggs. I went to the next zucchini plant same thing same thing on another my whole crop is destroyed. Okay so I dug those plants up and burned them guess what? The next crop over which were tomato plants started showing signs of stink bugs and their eggs on the back side of the leaves. It pretty much put me out of business for a couple of years selling my vegetables is how I survive here. I made it though I had to stop the crop for a couple of years and move it to a different location on my property. I think I would like to express mostly that zucchini plants will attract these bugs if they’re flying over your area.
We get a lot of them in Wisconsin. I have found spraying window screens periodically with isopropyl alcohol discourages them from coming in that way. Also, spraying alcohol on them kills them. If you see them crawling up wall, drapes, window, etc. and you have an empty plastic bottle, you can slide it up behind them causing them to fall in, and then cap the bottle. They don’t seem to be able to grip on to things very well and easily fall.
Thanks Frank for the informative article. I live 75-100 miles from Allentown and was surprised that Allentown was where they were first observed. I live in the heart of Pennsylvania apple growers! I know many apple growers and they definitely are a problem for them. I live surrounded by woods and as you mentioned September/October they increase in numbers looking for warmth. They can squeeze through small gaps and crevices. I recently noticed 2-3 a day in the house and this was abnormal for December. Finally discovered they were coming through my chimney/wood stove. I haven’t burned my wood stove for several years. When I opened it there was probably a thousand or more dead one inside. I hadn’t had this problem in past years but this year they definitely found a way in. To all views Franks advice to seal off any way on entry. Thanks again Frank, I’m a new subscriber
We have been finding stink bugs in our house for the last 3-mths, mostly around sunlit windows. The largest find was in my home office, I removed a framed picture only to find approx 20 stink bugs on the wall behind the frame. After looking behind each frame in the office, we ended up with approx 30-40 of those little buggers. They were each easy to remove by knocking them into a cup of water. I found your article and watched it from beginning to end. I have to admit, I did not let them go back outside……..they are now deceased.
Great article, we have these dang bugs in our house. They seem to come into our attic, then recessed lighting, and bathroom exhaust fans. I bought new lighting that doesn’t allow them to come into the light housing, I put screens on the exhaust covers, and I sealed all our windows. I also caulked the outer windows as well. This article is excellent because I’ll make the “water/light” traps in the attic to attract and kill these pests! Oh, I also weatherized/sealed our attic ladder entrance too, that was HUGE!!!! Thank you so much for all the great info in the article!!!
I truly enjoyed the excellent information about stink bugs that you presented in this article! I am now 77 years young and I can certainly remember being bothered with stink bugs! Every summer when blackberry picking on our farm in E. KY, they could be found! We enjoyed blackberry picking in a large field that was full of blackberry bushes. Once, as a small child, I was picking blackberries with my Mother and I was thirsty, so I ate a large juicy berry, then another, and another…until I swallowed something that I should not have! Definitely a stink bug and I had an upset stomach quickly. It was late in the afternoon when this happened, so I soon got bathed and went to bed…with a tummy ache! About the time that my family got to sleep, my stomach was churning! Not long after that, it seemed that everything inside me came up! About the time my mother got me and my bed cleaned up, it happened again! I threw up three times! The next day my dear mother did laundry half a day because she had to bleach sheets to remove purple stains! Many, many years have passed and last summer a stink bug appeared at my front door!
I’m a total geek scientist (PhD type) who has played with things like this since I was a kid. I’m now 69 years old and find the stink bugs in my house to be cool and entertaining. If they are too high on the wall or in the ceiling, I just let them be. If they are reachable, I gently scoop them up with my fingers and take them outside. FYI, they have never “released their bad odor” with me. I also treat spiders in a gentle manner, placing them outside, although I handle them using a cup or glass (in case they bite and are venomous). We share our world with many living things. Such a cool place this is!
The roasting pan and desk lamp is a good idea but the problem is when it gets full of stink bugs it really reeks. I put several widemouth jars half full of soapy water (Jars of Death) around the house. When I see a monster I scoop it up and screw the lid on, so no smell. When I have a cornucopia of stink bug soup marinade I dump them outside or bury the soup. Also I live in a big old house so caulking all the windows isn’t the feasible option. I put some lavender essence and water in a sprayer and use it around windows and doors. It seems to work ok. But I have serious bug phobia so I welcome any and all help
My family and I live in Illinois- Chicago area. We first started seeing stink bugs several years ago. We didn’t used to, and we wondered why they started appearing all of a sudden. Interesting to learn from your article how they only came to the U.S. in the mid-90s. Probably took a few years to get from the east coast to the midwest; makes sense! They fly into the lamps and make an annoying sound; they leave spots and stains, as you said. Our house is adjacent to a large nature preserve, so we get a lot of “nature” at our house. But when the nature comes inside and makes a pest of itself, that’s not so pleasant. We just may try that water-dish method; we hate having ’em around. Thank you for making this informative article!
I like the stink bug trap. I need to make one. Last night I found one on me and it stunk up my hands since I was trying to take it outside. The smell is weird and hard to get out of your skin. Its smells like a lemon to me. They are really bad this year. I have rarely seen one until this year and now I see them a lot
Thank you for making this! I recently found one in the middle of my wall and scared the heck out of me then found one between my window curtains and smashed it bc it scared me w it’s noise! But now I know what to do bc the complex manager had no idea what I was talking about! And everyone kept saying it was a roach🤦🏻♀️ I appreciate you making this!
Thank you for this topic. We do have stink bugs in our home. They seem to be attracted to light, as many bugs are, so we use a Victor flea trap, or other flea trap. This not only works for fleas, but also for other insects. Stink bugs, spiders, fleas, ticks, gnats, flies and other crawlies. I don’t like to kill anything either. But if they do millions of dollars in damage . . .
Greetings from Buffalo, NY! I live in the southern tier, rural area of New York and have an abundance of stink bugs in the Spring and Fall, now I know why! I call them Dopey Bugs because they seem slow and harmless. I’ve never smelled a stink bug because I won’t kill them. I scoop them up and put them in the garage to get them out of the house or away from my cats. My husband thinks I’m crazy since the same ones are probably coming back into our house! Thank you for sharing this information, very informative! Debbie
My old house was like 100 Years old so there was cracks everywhere they could get In plus my house was surrounded with trees. This was 2012. I had to have seen at least 10,000 of them that Year. I was was killing them 10 at a time multiple times a day. My window seals had just piles of them dead. When I moved I moved to apartments and there was a big tree outside and they were coming Into my apartment but not as bad. I was seeing like 10 a day. They cut the tree down about five years ago and I probably have seen about 10 total since then. I used to see lots of them In our hall ways but don’t see them there anymore. But I do have lady bugs everywhere but that’s a fair trade. Good article.
Greetings from stinkbug Ground Zero! I haven’t seen the stink bugs in my house for the past few years. I asked my friend Jane, who lives in New Tripoli, what was going on with them. And she said, “The birds are eating them; they have developed a taste for spicy food. I used to get dive-bombed every spring. They would congregate on the ceiling as they were waking up. And then before I knew they were there, they would they would divebomb me directly in the center of my hairline. I suspect there’s a pheromone there that was attracting them. I don’t know whether they thought of me as a rival or a potential mate. Either way it didn’t work out.
I noticed these here in IL about 2 years ago. The biggest nuisance I have with them is they startle me with the low loud sound of their wings into thinking I have a hornet buzzing me. And I don’t need them in the garage when I’m painting something important. Otherwise they are a benign pest like the invasive Asian lady beetles we have here, except the latter is prolific by the shovelful when they seek shelter in my sheds. I have an attached garage so there’s no stopping a few stinkbugs wandering in. A few appear in the house over the winter and I clobber them with a flyswatter. So far I haven’t noticed any odor. These things are also not as prolific as box alder bugs we have here, which I have hundreds on my south wall. Due to their size I hope they don’t get that numerous. It’s good to know they are pretty much harmless. I have farmers with corn and soy crops around me here, I don’t know if they are any real threat to those farmers. It’s the farmers that brought the Asian ladybird beetles here in the 1970s to control aphids, and they over proliferated due to lack of predators.
Great. Thanks. I had a 3 story house in Philadelphia, that was quite overrun by stink bugs. To tall to maintain and calk. Then I moved to central PA in 2011,(i a little hut style home) many many on side of house in fall. What I do…get strong house, (high water pressure helps, but not a machine, just strong flow from hose) attach a soap dispenser on house with a little Dove soap or mild dishwashing detergent. Spray the whole side of house, (Western side) and watch em drop. They still get in. My 3 story house was too tall for me to get on a ladder and calk every nook and cranny, but my smaller hut is easier. In the spring there are still many trying to get out, but the soapy water and hose seems to limit the amount I have in spring on the warmer days.
I was surprised to hear you say these were first recorded here in 1996. I was born in 1974 and here in Columbus, Georgia we have had stink bugs all my life. Certainly all through the 80s. They are identical to what you were showing except ours might be a bit more grey in color. We’ve always called them stink bugs too. I recently had a number of them show up from boxes that were in my mom’s garage which is why I watched the suggested article. I am now very curious as to this timeline discrepancy.
I’ve had about 10 since we moved into the new place. We’ve actually gotten pretty tight. I’ve never seen them excrete anything and they don’t smell at all. I have seen them go after the residue from my cocoa mix. They really like that. But they just seem really nice and harmless, so I don’t mind them. I daresay I’ve developed feelings for them. I just watered one and aimed it out the window into the spring air and it took flight as tears took to my eyes. Godspeed, stinky bug. I’ll never forget the time we shared.
Cut the top of a water bottle (before the diameter reduces to the mouth) invert it inwards, fill with a couple inches of soapy water for good scoop-able trap. Filling a squirt bottle with warm soapy water and flushing the cracks and crevices of windows and doors in the fall helped a bit. The tray of soapy water under a concentration of light sounds promising! Thanks for sharing! These little guys get themselves into all kinds of mischief, and there are legions of them.
I have these guys all over the place, every time I open my back door like five of them fly in. I never worry about them, they just climb on the curtains and lampshades and if it’s warm I put them back outside. If it’s cold and they are in the way I pick them up and move them to my plants, then put them outside once it’s warmer. I’ve never had one release that stuff that I know of, never smelled any kind of scent from them. I also haven’t seen any kind of those droppings – and everything in my living room is white – white curtains, white lampshades, white windowsills, white carpets. I like them! They are a cute reminder that nature still exists when it’s freezing outside.
Had a whole bunch in a pair of insulated coveralls hanging in garage. Brought them in last winter to warm them up, had stink bugs all over floor below them. Washed them then there was dozens stuck to side of washer dead. I have an apple tree few feet out back garage door. I don’t use the apples but the deer do, but I can see where they come from!
This is what I use to control stink bugs…A small spray bottle, put about 2 tablespoons of cheap dish soap in the bottle and then fill with water and stir it well. Adjust nozzle to stream. Shoot the bugs until well wetted. As the solution dries it seals their breathing pores and they die. Biodegradeable and non toxic to the environment. I also use this solution for ants, wasps, earwhigs and other nuisance bugs.
These bugs are very smart. I have them around my home and in the late summer early fall i notice them more active, flying around trying to fly into my house everytime i open or close my door. I tested one of them outside near my door and sure enough when i opened the door they tried flying in. I put up one of those magnet mesh screens to the entrance of my patio doors and it helps allot against these very smart stink bugs
Pan and Soap method works on fleas too. We had a flea infestation in our basement that turned up what seemed like overnight. I kept a desk lamp angled down over a plate that I kept partially filled with water and dish soap mix. So far, for at least 8 months now I have yet to see a single flea. Oddly, I give my dogs a bath once a week (I have always hated the natural smell of dogs) and one of their shampoos is designed to help with keeping fleas off of them. At any rate, thanks for the informative article!
I remember in 2011 the place where I was living at the time was massively invaded by stink bugs. Not the one or two, like you showed, but atleast a hundred! And that was on one window alone. The other window only had about a score. Both west and southwest facing windows. Naturally, I get called upon to take care of the problem and my solution was a leaf blower. Opened up the windows and air blasted those buggers outdoors. Like you, I don’t believe in killing needlessly ( unless it’s ticks or skeeters ) Side note: I did notice an increase in bird activity around that corner of the house, and a few wolf spider funnels had signs of gourmet eating.
Your article was soooo informative. Thank you! Throwing out sometimes 2 stinkbugs per day. They are driving me crazy. So good to know they are just looking for heated environment and are not reproducing. I freaked out and spilled my drink the other day because I found one on my arm! Needless to say my ottoman now has a wine stain!
I noticed these guys about 10 years ago where I live which is Northeast Ohio. I called them shield bugs because I didn’t know what they were until someone told me it was a stink bug. I am not bothered with certain bugs in the house unless if course it’s poisonous, but when it’s Spring or Summer I catch and release. When it gets colder I let them stay because I know they are trying to keep warm and hibernate, it’s mainly ladybugs and stink bugs. Didn’t realize they like to eat fruits and veggies. I also have a hard time killing something with the exception of flies, mosquitoes, fleas/ticks, and wasps, also cockroaches if I were to ever encounter one. I have only smelt a stink bug one time and it was because he died and yes, it smells like rotten eggs, but it didn’t last long. If you are careful and pick it up to place outside it won’t release it’s smell, I have never had that happen, plus plenty have died in our house, so having only one making the smell after it passed was different. I did notice last year we didn’t have a lot, but we live next to a farmer so he may be using something to ward them off. This was cool and learned something about this strange bug.
So much info. ! I’m in Ohio this is the first year my house had almost been taken over with sink bugs, so I took a fly swatter put duct tape around sticky side out and then carefully capture the stinkers. It works very well !! I’ve been getting rid of a large amount. But they are always lurking. I enjoyed your educational article. Look forward to the next one.
I found they liked cardboard so I got rid of all cardboard boxes for storage and use all plastic. Living in a motorhome I think they can squeeze into the weep holes in the windows or the seals on slide outs. One year when it would warm up in the spring10 to 20 would come out daily for a few weeks until they all left and fly to the south facing windows and I had a small container from the hospital with a lid and would capture them and throw them outside. Sometimes they would give a stink but not usually. Like you said seal up the house and always use screens.
I saw a stink bug in my home for the first time 3 years ago. I live in Connecticut. I catch them and put them outside to live another day. I have heard they have a terrible odour, although I have never encountered it. I had thought they were insects who migrated from the south. I think they are interesting, although they are aliens from Asia. They enjoy my orchids and house plants which is understandable. The proboscis is very impressive. Nice learning experience.
I might have misunderstood you. You mentioned something about the stink bug not being in the US until 1996. Both my husband and I remember stink bugs being around when we were kids back in the 70’s, we have a stink bug problem, we moved to the country 5 years ago, we’ve had mice and now stink bugs. Thank for the help! Leslye
This was very informative. Thank you for making this. I always wondered what these guys ate, I never catch them in the act. I have tons of house plants and a small veggie/fruit garden in the summer (zone 5B) so they spend a long time hanging out in the warm house with us. We don’t bother them much though and they in turn keep their “stink” to themselves 🙂
Here in New York, I’ve only seen stink bugs occasionally, and it’s usually only one, not a bunch. But like with all insects and bugs that I try to remove from my living area, I usually take two solo-type cups, and try to trap them in between the two cups. And I walk them outside a distance from the house and deposit them in a wooded area. I don’t believe in killing living things either, if they’re not a direct threat to me and my family. The only exception would be flying stinging things, that need to be swatted. But that’s a rarity. Thank you for the information.
Our furnace quit working. The repairman found the exhaust was plugged with stinkbugs. The half inch square openings in the exhaust pipe are just too big. I wrapped some stainless steel hardware cloth around it that has a 0.2 inch mesh. I checked the bathroom vents and they had finer mesh screens already. I haven’t decided if I’ll do something about the drain vents.
I just found a stink bug walking up my headphone cord last night. Scared me at first. Then I realized what it was and grabbed it with a tissue and flushed him down the toilet. I think I saw him wave at me as he rode the swirling death trap to hell. They spray-washed my outside windows earlier in the day. I guess he got washed out of his cubby hole and was in search of a warm spot in my computer. OH, HECK NO! Thanks for this article, it was very informative. Yeah, if it isn’t supposed to be in my house and doesn’t pay rent, it gets evicted or worse. ; D
Very educational! As I do have them in my house this year and knew they were stink bugs, exactly like the one in this article. Years back we had a birch tree in our yard from which tiny stink bugs were always found. When the tree was cut down the bugs were gone. Now years later we have the large bugs! Thank you for educating me more to these stinky annoying buggies.
I’ve seen a few in the old house I live in and we usually just place a cup over them then slowly slide thin cardstock under the cup to get them in the cup then take them outside far away from the house and let them go. No one here squashes them to death because we don’t want our house to stink, but capturing them in a cup and setting them free is pretty easy to do.
We live in a log house in the inland northwest, and we have those in here all of the time. They’re a real nuisance. We’ve caulked as much as we can, but with logs, there are places you just can’t caulk, especially since settling will cause cracks to open up in the logs. Not only do we have this shield shaped stinkbug, we also have another species which is brown, about an inch long and slim. I thought for awhile that this species gorges itself and becomes the fat, shield shaped bug after it has filled up on whatever it was eating. But it seems this is an entirely different bug. Our real problem is wasps and hornets that enter our home in the Spring and Summer. They build their nests under our eaves and in the crevices of our rock and mortar walls along our carport. We have to very careful where we walk and place our hands, as these stingers have even surprised us in our bed! I’m not so concerned about the stinkbugs — I just wish we could discourage the wasps and hornets from coming in. We’ve learned to be watchful, especially when we sit on our furniture. Both hubby and I have been stung, and, fortunately, neither of us is allergic. But it’s still very painful. This was a nice, educational program. Thanks for uploading this article.
I’m in SW Indiana and built a new home in the woods in 2010. Stink bugs have always been around here, I learned what they were called as a child (I’m 61). This year though I’ve found a few in my home which seemed strange and is why your article title caught my eye. This is the first year I recall them getting inside. My home is brick and sealed pretty tight. Now I know what to look for to tell if my bugs are this invasive species. Very informative and well presented information. Glad to know they aren’t going to do any serious damage. Thank you.
You say 1990 is the first time they are thought to have been discovered here. I grew up in Lancaster, PA and I distinctly remember running a foul of one of these bugs in the mid 60’s. I was running around without a top shirt on (we called it belly bare) and something landed on my shoulder. I brushed it off and got this awful smell for my efforts. I will never forget that unique smell. Fast fwd to more recent times. I have encountered these bugs as an adult again in the 90’s as you say. Lancaster is infested with these bugs. Unless there are other bugs that have that smell, it has been my experience that the stink bug has been here a lot longer than what you say in this article.
Thanks, Frank!..i’m in TN & see them occasionally over the yrs, out or in, but never many at a time (no garden). i asked a few folks if they knew what it was called, & i described it like you said, that the body was shaped like a shield…anyway, few knew the main name was ‘stink bug’..lol.. Just yest., my cat was perusal one on the floor…& i let it walk onto piece of paper & put it outside. Thanks for this information.
Having a pest control professional treat the cracks and crevices around exterior of the home in the fall is one of the best things to do. These treatments knockdown a lot of the overwintering insects before gaining entry into your home. Also if you seal up entry points of your home helps too. Once inside the home, the best thing really is just sucking them up with your vacuum hose.
We had a room at the end of our house that was really infected with stink bugs. We physically removed them, covering the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner so they couldn’t get out between uses. (With masking tape!) Next year I put a couple of sonic plug-ins in that room, and we have barely any since. Hope this helps some folks! We rent an old house, and that’s an easy fix!
Boy do we know about stink bugs! We were inundated by them last spring at our lake cottage which we purchased in the fall. We had a pest control service spray this last fall and will see how it worked this spring. Thank you for letting me know about the water and dish soap, I will definitely try this if we have a problem again this year.
Ugh.. I want to become an Entomologist. I’m a Junior in Biology but bugs inside my dorm creep me out. At least I have the courage to collect them in tiny bags and attempt to identify them. Recently found out what a german cockroach nymph looks like. Needless to say, dorm life is not all it’s chalked up to be. Definitely still enjoy researching and ID-ing bugs.
I’ve been dealing with these every winter here in Ohio. They come in for warmth. One time when I was roofing in Maryland, I found a nest under the shingles at the fireplace and after disturbing them the worst smell wafted toward me. The stink is used as a defense. Now when they come inside, catching with a paper towel or tissue helps to avoid getting the stink on my hands.
i have a hand held vac., dedicated for sting bugs only, its kept in the garage on the charger, i put a short peice of duck tape on the opening just in case. also use sticky pads in some areas, sometimes use a tissue them flush in the toliet, but some times grab the vac if they are inbetween blinds or other hard to reach places, in the fall they like the dark screen on porch, i vac. them to keep the count down, the less bugs the less attraction for more bugs.
Assassin bugs are great beneficial bugs to have in the garden. 🙂 We currently live in PA and I have seen an increase in the stink bug population. MD, especially Frederick is full of stink bugs as well. Whenever we would visit, my husband and I would make sure we didn’t have any stowaway stink bugs because they will hitch a ride if you aren’t careful. We also use food grade diatomaceous earth to keep bugs out. It’s a safer alternative than pesticides.
I’ll never forget when I was little, I saw a green dot moving on the white curtains in the living room. The whole family was there and my father decided to check it out. He exclaimed it was a stinkbug. We all left the room as though nuclear war was about to break out. That is to say with the exception of my father who decided to take care of it with his shirt and take it outside. He was the true hero that day 🤣
We have them in Italy. They were always on the curtains (something it seems you do not like in the USA). They were about the same but, it seems to me, smaller and grey/black rather than brownish. I am puzzled that they came to the USA from Japan. Never seen one in 20 years living here. Thanks for all the info.
I hate it when I’m on my computer, and one falls on my desk! They sound like a rock when they hit the wood! I’m glad they don’t bite! I still don’t touch them, they’re just scary! I put on a jacket one day, and there was one inside🤮 I’ve noticed that this year, there’s hardly any! YAY!! Hope they’re all gone!! Thanks for your info 💙
“If you’re sitting by a light reading a book, you sometimes get dive-bombed at night” So true. When I’m sitting at my computer next to my light and a big-ass random stink bug comes flying in from out of nowhere, it startles me every time – especially if they land on me. Their smell doesn’t bother me much. If anything, it satisfies me, because I know that MFer is dead and won’t be flying around my computer when I crush it.
I have stink bugs that get into my house but didn’t realize the problem that they caused. After several months of my succulent collection being ravaged by something I finally figured it out. After researching online what their damage looked like on plants I knew it had to be them. Especially after finding them on one of my succulents. They have not touched my other houseplants. The war is on!
When I was living in southern California, we had a type of stinkbug called a Darkling beetle. These were large, black and often shiny. When disturbed, they would tip up their tail ends and emit an easily recognizable odor. My family never called them Darkling beetles — I don’t think they knew they are technically called that. They just called them stinkbugs, and we had a lot of them in the very rural areas where we lived. Maybe you can do a article on them, someday. I’d love to hear what you have to say about them.
They showed up one day and invaded my home. They came from where just about every invasive bug species comes from. Asia. The marmorated stink bugs absolutely drive me nuts. They like to fly around the light bulb in my garage, which is where I spend a lot of my time. For some dang reason while they’re flying around my light in circles until they get tired, or dizzy, idk, but they always end up heading straight for me. Those sticky fly traps that some articles that will catch them, do not work. They always manage to get free of it. I think maybe because the only parts of them that end up on the sticky paper are the tips of their legs. I also had an invasion of Japanese beetles one year. In my yard and not my house, thankfully. Although they did eat my flowers like crazy. Soap and water spray didn’t even phase them, btw. I lucked out because I happen to also have a mole problem. Since the Japanese beetles are grubs for a portion of their life cycle and moles eat grubs, things have evened out and I only see a couple a year now.
I’m glad I’ve never been stuck by one of those Stink Bugs. They don’t seem to want to stick me with their proboscis. They seem to have a personality. Also, they seem to sense heat from a long distance, and then find their way into my home when it gets cold outside. They seem to be a friendly bug, so I don’t directly kill them, but I will throw them outdoors, and it’s usually cold when I do.
Just saw a “spined soldier bug” in western Washington. I love early fall in area affected by a marine climate. Insects are preparing for winter. As they prepare to either preserve a place for their young or batten down the hatches they become more visible. While we are seeing day time temperatures in the 80’s, nights are cooler. The siding on buildings radiate heat at night attracting insects.
Interesting! When we began noticing stink bugs we would drop them in a jar of soapy water and quickly we found it was “beneficial” to us (odor wise) to put them in a jar with a lid, like used peanut butter ones. When you disturb a stink bug, they seem to drop straight down to fly and into their custom swimming pool if held under them. They cannot swim worth a damn but when the jar soon gets really unpleasant, We quickly flush the contents away, clean and refill the jars. Perhaps we are on the fringe of their range but we seem to see fewer each year. They also could be better at hiding in our nearly 200 year old house. This is effective for us, causes little odor except when dumping it.
Another helper: On the last hot day or two of Autumn, I go up on the roof while the stinkbugs are OUTSIDE, and spray Stink Bug Insecticide on the Ridge Vents of my roof. That is where many of them get into your attic to migrate further into your house. it doesn’t eliminate, but does mitigate their numbers. I have noticed fewer in my house since I started doing this.
I use to get them in my house, in fall, in which case I’d catch them by hand them throw them outside in the cold. The last couple years, I haven’t seen them in the house. When I would catch them I was gentle with them and they liked the warmth of my hand, so they wouldn’t use their defense, I’d just wash my hand after letting them go
Great article. I will assume you are somewhere in VA from the mentioning of VT. I am in Bristol, TN/VA I am having a problem with the stinkers myself and suspect they have gotten in my attic squatting for free. I have been sealing up everything as best I can. Amazing how they still get in. I find one a night. I recently bought a Dust Mizer which disperses diatomaceous earth extremely well and I was planning on dusting my attic, house and yard. Why am I doing this. My understanding is, like the assassin bug they can land on you at night and pierce your lips or softer tissue (just inside the nose) and suck blood getting a meal while leaving a parasite inside you. I thought the stink bug could do the same? Why did I think this, I watched a T V show I think it is called …’ The Monster Inside Me ‘? That may be it. The bug was featured in there as a carrier of a parasite that when inside a human can replicate like lyme disease from a deer tick only this parasite is worse. That proboscis is what delivers the parasite. Do you know anything about it? If I recall the American that was bitten and nearly died because no one could diagnose the problem. This person was traveling in the same area in Asia as this stink bug you referenced comes from. I am pretty sure the Assassin bug definitely carries the parasite. They too are an invasive species. Maybe VA Tech can verify? Again great job this was helpful. I also thought that when a stink bug dies or is crushed the pheromone produced which is horrible attracts more stink bugs to it.
We’ve been using this “Stink Bug Spa” technique for the last couple months and my last count after 4 days in our barn house attic, yielded over 200. Unfortunately, I did spray foam all the open cavities during the fall invasion and this may have cause a situation where they are finding it hard to retreat. So we have to rely on multiple spas to get rid of them. Next fall I will be repeatedly spraying the problem areas with something like Mighty Mint or o keep them at bay.
I’m amazed that even though you know that they are a harmful invasive species you capture them and then throw them outside. I used to do the same but now that I know who they actually are (and the damage they do that must effect other native species) they are going to be quickly and humanly (as possible) dispatched.
We have an indoor bug light and it is amazing. The light attracts them overnight and eliminates them. I learned the hard way even after unplugging a bug light and trying to clean it, you will get the shock of your life if you bump a coil inside of it. It does retain energy after pulling the power source. Normally the stink bug will drop to the slide out tray but other times they stick to the coil so something non conductive to push it off the coil will to the trick. The only good stink bug in our house is a dead one RIP stink bugs….go ahead make my day
I can confirm that they taste AWFUL. I was perusal a movie one night on my laptop and eating popcorn. A stinkbug, attracted by the light from the screen, landed in my bowl of popcorn. I spit the bug out the second it touched my tongue; the taste was indescribably FOUL, and my whole mouth was tingly and numb for about 20 minutes. I rinsed repeatedly with mouthwash, but the flavor remained long after the tingling stopped. I’ve had a personal vendetta against stinkbugs ever since.
We have stink bugs here in Connecticut. The same type being shown in this article. I’ve seen them in my house, but, never paid them any attention because they didn’t seem menacing or dangerous. I never smelled one though. Maybe because I let them be. They never seem to be around long, so, I’ve never considered them to be a nuisance.
I’m guessing this is a bad place to share my stink bug collection? I find them fascinating. They have never bothered my garden or fruit trees. When they come in to escape the cold, I have a hearty house plant that I put them in with shallow water dishes and I throw fruit and veg scraps in the pot of the plant in small amounts for them to feed of off. I have never seen one leave a dump nor have I smelled one. They are friendly and inquisitive and visit me by landing on my shoulder at times while I watch TV but always go back the plant I have provided them. In the spring when I know temps are safe at night, I take said houseplant outside to let them free. Last winter I kept 12 of them in the plant. Others seem to suffer an ill fate and dry up as I heat with wood, if only they had stayed at the house plant hotel where I mist and provide amenities! Lol, yep, I’m nuts!
We have stinkbugs in our house, and this article was so helpful and informative. Because they come out in droves and dominate our southern and western exteriors on warm spring days, I was worried that they were hatching and pupating in our walls. So relieved to learn they are not doing structural damage, and are not interested in sucking my blood! I am not as tolerant to agricultural pests as many of your followers though, as we rely on our garden and orchard to provide fresh produce in summer and preserved food through winter. I will be taking an aggressive, ecology friendly stance with these critters with the dish soap mixture. Do you have a article about a “stinkbug” we call a “maple bug” here in Oregon? It has been around atleast since the 1960’s and may be native. It is gray with pink banding, is winged, about half as wide and nearly as long as the marmorated stink bug, and has much the same behavior of sheltering in the houseshell and coming out in spring to congregate on southern and western walls. Wherever and whenever we see the brown marmorated stinkbugs, we see an equal amount of these things we call “maplebugs”, but they’ve been here much longer.
Great informative article. I must comment that I’ve lived in WV my whole life and see stink bugs all the time. They don’t bother me and I rarely bother them. I try not to kill critters/bugs unless necessary. My point is, I have never smelled a bad odor from a stink bug. I expect to, even if I move them to another room, but no smell at all that I’ve noticed. I’m not complaining lol, but just thought I’d add that, sure, they are unwelcome pests, but I’d do the same thing if I was one of them. Live and let live.
Nice seminar on those stinky bugs, I go to Allentown a lot so the market and different places never saw any over there but I have them at my place, I just take them outside they’re sort of like a skunk, just be gentle with them and they won’t stink, I tried down the sink then it stinks the whole sink, vacuum cleaner stinks I don’t kill them just take them outside, they always poop though you see them do a lot of droppings, if you smash them it makes the smell that attracts other stink bugs…
Interesting that you say that these entered the US in the mid 90’s, but I remember them being around in the 80’s. I grew up in Florida and remember seeing them. I graduated in 86 and also remember explaining to others while I was in the Navy in both CA and VA what they were. Most had never heard of them.
I live near Seattle and have had some here and there in the house. I just put them outside – not knowing they are not good for my plants until I watched your article! I always wondered why they are called stink bugs because when I catch them and put them outside not one of them has ever stunk! Could it be there is another variety that doesn’t stink?
A different perspective. During late fall and winter seeing a bug in the house reminds me of Spring. Seeing them (not being infested) around the house and perusal them climb up the wall and being on the ceiling suspended brings a smile and nature a time of the year that there is not much nature to see.I like stink bugs!
These are new here in southern Wisconsin. I see these things just about every day, flying or crawling around. They are very cooperative in crawling onto a piece of paper, and usually stay on long enough to dump them outside, where it’s freezing cold now. I wouldn’t squash one, but I don’t care if they die.
I’m so glad to hear that you’re not an advocate for killing things. I go ahead and let them seek asylum in my house. I have them in my house all winter and spring and I simply scoop them up and put them in my potted plants. Now the good weather is coming I’ll bring them outside. Did you mention that they also fly?! I guess it’s more like jumping but they can scare the shit out of me sometimes
loved the trap idea at the end!!! LOL!!! Will definitely do it! At our house we’ve even seen them come in on our clothes. So….we keep those little postcards from magazines around and when we see one, we give it a ride on the postcard in to the slide at the waterpark! (TOILET) and wooosh, away they go! We found that the first year, we didn’t want to kill them, so we kicked them outside. The next year we had so much reproduction, we decided to go with the waterslide at the amusement park! They also congregate in the winter behind picture frames and hanging quilts! YUCK!! Thanks for the info! GREAT JOB!!
Hi, I know it’s been a few months since you posted this article, but this is my first time perusal you website. I know very little about stink bugs. We have a huge problem with stink bugs here in Upstate New York. It seems like they are worse than rabbits in reproducing. There are many myths about them, but as myths go I’m sure most aren’t true. So I have some (what might seem like silly) questions; I’m curious, 🤨 does the stink from the bug attract other stink bugs, as in coming to their rescue? What is their natural predator? How do they procreate, if not in your home than where? Thank you for posting this article. I don’t like bugs but I realize they are necessary for a healthy environment. 😣 I’d just prefer them to not be in my home 😑.
A neighbor advised my brother to use the soapy water trap for brown hornets that had built a nest under a single wide trailer he was renting. It actually worked for some of the critters but this nest was quite large and would have taken too long to eliminate in that way. He eventually waited until well after dark and sprayed killer into the insulation they were using for their home.
One year in the winter there was one on the drapes, I took him outside and put him on the deck right outside the door, about a half hour or so later I went out to look, he was still there like he was looking up at me saying he was cold, I felt so bad I took him back in the house and put him back on the drapes. lol True story.
I understand not being crazy about killing anything but if you’re just throwing them outdoors, you’re just spreading the problem. I’ve used the water and soap method on fleas and it works surprisingly well, but for crawling insects of all kinds, placing glue traps along walls and in corners seems to work the best, and it’s a lot handier than having trays of soapy water laying around the house. If you catch a mouse, (or a cat!) on one, you can use vegetable oil to get them loose.
Thank you for making this article about this new Univited pest from China. I can’t recall exactly when, but I do remember perusal an early season NY Giants Football game on TV and suddenly (it was pretty warm that day), there was an Invasion of Hundreds of Stink Bugs all over my skylights, Roof, and in the house. At the time, we were able to identify them as Stink Bugs on the Web. I used Hornet Spray from the deck, spraying it at them on the Skylight and roof, it did not Kill Them. Then I used rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle attached to my hose, and that semed to curtail them. The Info I found was that They Invade like that in the Fall and goto the South West corner of your Home. That is exactly where I saw them. There are UT articles of people Vacuuming up Stink Bugs by the Bagful up in their attics !! Since that Invasion, I have had some bugs but never like that. My Exterminator sprays a few times a year in the yard. I should say, I have No Fruit Trees in the yard, but do have some Veggies. Like The Spider Crickets before them – which also persist – Thank You China !
What we use is simple to make to catch the ones you can reach. Cut the top off of a water bottle and invert it back into the bottle to create a funnel and use a couple of pieces of tape to hold it in place. Put about a quarter inch of rubbing alcohol in the bottle. Then you just go to the window or wall and scoop them in. Sometimes I use a popsicle stick to push them in and use if they are on a flat surface to get them to walk upon it and then put in bottle. The alcohol kills them pretty quickly and you can easily open the bottle and dump them out as you wish. We have also learned to spray insecticide on the bushes and green growth around the house in the fall where they are feeding.
I absolutely love bugs and insects. I live in a very old house and am visited each year by stink bugs. I get such a kick out of perusal them walk around on my nightstand. Their gait reminds me of Charlie Chaplin walking, with their front “feet” turned outward. I think the body of a stink bug is just beautiful. It’s also fun to spot the proboscis come down and sniff around. I catch them and throw them out the bathroom window…they probably just come right back. Stink bugs and other of God’s tiny creatures make me appreciate God’s sense of humor even more. Thank you very much for this informative article. Diane in NC
Appreciate the article. Never saw these until about 5 years ago in my area. I am seeing more every year. Find them in the same places you showed. They fly loudly as well. With how many I see I say they must be multiplying pretty quickly. I just grab them with a tissue and flush them. If I cannot reach I knock them down with a towel I always have ladybugs as well. I leave those alone