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Lotus Pest Control
Stink Bug
Occasional Invader

Stink Bug

Halyomorpha halys

Also known as: Shield Bug

Stink bugs, particularly the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, are major agricultural pests and fall home invaders across much of North America. They release a powerfully unpleasant defensive odor when threatened. They aggregate on buildings in fall and overwinter in structures.

Identification

Size

14-17 mm

Color

Mottled grayish-brown with lighter bands on antennae and darker bands on wing edges

Key Trait

Shield-shaped body; mottled brown coloring; releases a strong, pungent, cilantro-like odor when disturbed or crushed.

Behavior & Habitat

Aggregates on sun-warmed building surfaces in autumn seeking overwintering sites. Releases an intensely pungent defensive odor from thoracic glands when disturbed. Buzzes loudly when flying. Does not feed or reproduce indoors.

Habitat: Orchards, gardens, and agricultural fields in summer; exterior walls, attics, wall voids, and behind siding in fall and winter.

Diet: Wide variety of fruit, vegetables, and ornamental plants including apples, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, soybeans, and corn.

Signs of Infestation

  • Shield-shaped brown bugs aggregating on exterior walls in fall
  • Pungent odor when bugs are disturbed or accidentally crushed indoors
  • Buzzing bugs around lights and windows on warm days during winter

Risks & Damage

nuisance

Massive fall invasions and extremely unpleasant defensive odor that lingers.

agricultural

Major agricultural pest causing billions in crop damage to fruit, vegetable, and row crops.

Prevention Tips

  • 1.Seal all exterior cracks, gaps, and utility penetrations before September
  • 2.Install fine mesh screens on attic vents and weep holes
  • 3.Use a vacuum rather than crushing to avoid triggering the defensive odor

Why DIY Treatment Often Falls Short

Stink bugs hide in wall voids and attics in enormous numbers. Crushing or disturbing them releases a foul odor that attracts more stink bugs. Indoor sprays cannot reach overwintering populations.

Professional Treatment

Professionals apply preventive exterior treatments in late summer, perform comprehensive exclusion work, and use specialized approaches that avoid triggering the defensive odor response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do they smell so bad?
Stink bugs release trans-2-decenal and other compounds from thoracic glands as a defense against predators. The odor is often described as resembling cilantro or coriander and can linger for hours.
Will they damage my house?
No structural damage. They do not feed or reproduce indoors. The primary concerns are nuisance presence and the persistent foul odor.
How did they get to North America?
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug arrived from Asia, likely in shipping containers, and was first documented in Pennsylvania in 1998. It has since spread to most of North America.

Need Help With Stink bug?

If you're seeing signs of stink bug in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.

Schedule a Free InspectionCall (417) 238-0550

At a Glance

Category
Occasional Invaders
Scientific Name
Halyomorpha halys
Size
14-17 mm
Color
Mottled grayish-brown with lighter bands on antennae and darker bands on wing edges
Key Trait
Shield-shaped body; mottled brown coloring; releases a strong, pungent, cilantro-like odor when disturbed or crushed.
Regions
Mid Atlantic, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest
Threat Level
Low
Risk Types
nuisanceagricultural
Seasonal Activity
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
none
low
moderate
high
peak