There are over 5,000 species of stink bugs worldwide, but the most commonly known in the United States is the brown marmorated stink bug. Native to Asia, it was first found in Pennsylvania in the 1990s and has since become an invasive species spread across the entire US.
Stink bugs are notorious for the foul odor they release when threatened and are identified by their shield-shaped back covered in marbled markings.
Stink bugs produce chemicals inside their bodies as a defense mechanism to deter predators like birds, fish, and reptiles with sensitive noses.
These chemicals are produced by glands on the sides of the body and pool inside small holes called evapatoriums. These structures help release the scent faster for effective deterrence. The smell contains compounds found in cilantro and coriander.
Feed on plants, fruits, and vegetables. They pierce plant membranes and suck out juices. Can devastate gardens, orchards, and vineyards in large numbers.
Feed on other garden pests including other stink bugs. These are considered beneficial insects for pest control.
Stink bugs cause millions of dollars in crop damage every year. Over 175 different crops are targeted:
Professional treatment protects your home and garden from these invasive pests.
Call (866) 326-2847Once temperatures cool, stink bugs prepare to overwinter somewhere warm. They often move indoors in large numbers because they release aggregation pheromones that attract other stink bugs once a safe location is found.
Inside, they enter a dormant period called diapause (similar to hibernation). During this time, they are mostly inactive, not feeding or mating. When temperatures rise, they become active again seeking to return outside.
Adults emerge in late spring
2 weeks of feeding for energy
After feeding, produce brood
Laid May-August, clusters up to 400
Takes about 1 week
5 instar stages, ~1 week each
Final molt produces wings
Find overwintering spot
Note: In warmer regions without cold winters, stink bugs breed year-round, producing up to 3 broods annually.
Aggregating on crops or plants
Attached to underside of leaves
Bruising or skin damage on produce
Smells like cilantro
Monitor gardens for early detection. Use insecticidal soaps and oils to spray infested plants.
Use a vacuum cleaner to trap bugs. Seal them inside the bag or drown them to prevent return.
Seal cracks in foundation, repair torn screens, install door sweeps. Exclusion is key.
If you are dealing with a large-scale stink bug infestation, professional pest control experts can take care of your problem. EcoGuard Pest Management has a team of licensed and experienced stink bug control experts ready to inspect your property and treat problematic areas. Our services are designed to safely and effectively exterminate stink bugs and prevent them from coming back.
Stink bugs can cause damage to fruits and vegetables but do not pose any significant threat to humans. They cannot bite or sting and rely on their foul smell to act as their primary defense mechanism.
During colder months, stink bugs will enter a dormant phase similar to hibernation called diapause. In order to diapause safely, stink bugs need to find shelter from the cold and elements so they will move indoors. Once one stink bug finds a safe place to hide, they will release chemical pheromones that attract other stink bugs to the same place.
The smell of stink bugs contains chemical compounds found in cilantro and coriander which heavily influences the scent they release. This smell acts as a deterrent to predators like birds, fish, and lizards who might decide that a stink bug looks like a snack.
