Stink Bugs

Brown marmorated stink bugs are an invasive species from Asia that arrived in Pennsylvania in 1996 and can now be found from South Carolina to New Hampshire and west to Indiana, as well as in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Adult stink bugs enter homes and other structures in the late fall to seek shelter from the winter weather. They reemerge from overwintering sites in early spring and try to exit, but sometimes enter living spaces instead. Like other overwintering insects,
they often congregate en masse on the sides of buildings.

Stink bugs have the potential to spread throughout the country, which could be harmful to the agricultural industry, as they destroy crops. Although these smelly pests do not pose serious property or safety threats to homeowners, their tendency to invade homes in high numbers can be a nuisance.

• Seal cracks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, ceiling fans and light switches.
• Replace outdoor lighting with yellow bulbs, which are less attractive to stink bugs.
• Repair damaged window screens. Also, screen attic and crawlspace vents.
• Use a vacuum to eliminate stink bugs indoors. Seal vacuum’s contents in a plastic bag and dispose of it immediately.
• If an infestation develops, contact a licensed pest professional promptly.
• Remember that a licensed pest professional can pre-treat homes for stink bugs before they become a problem.

• are named for the odor they emit as a defense
  against predators.
• are not known to bite humans but caution should be used
  when handling them to avoid a release of their odor.