Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Signs You Have Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

What homeowners spot first

1. Shield-shaped brown bugs congregating on sunny exterior walls
2. Bugs appearing inside on warm winter days
3. Unpleasant odor when bugs are disturbed
4. Bugs clustering around windows and doors
5. Dead bugs in light fixtures and windowsills

Stink bugs are agricultural pests that feed on fruits and vegetables. In fall, they seek shelter in buildings for overwintering, congregating on warm, south-facing walls before entering through gaps. They're dormant inside through winter and become active on warm days, often appearing indoors in late winter/early spring as they seek to exit.

Stink bug control is most effective as preventive fall treatment before bugs enter. We treat exterior surfaces, window frames, and entry points. For existing infestations, interior treatment and vacuuming removes active bugs while exclusion prevents future entry.

Why do stink bugs smell so bad?

Stink bugs release defensive chemicals from glands on their thorax when threatened. The smell deters predators and lingers on hands and surfaces. Vacuuming them up (rather than crushing) is the easiest way to avoid releasing the odor indoors.

When do stink bugs invade Treasure Valley homes?

Fall is the main event. Most of our stink bug calls come in September and October, when bugs leave fields and orchards and cluster on warm, south-facing walls before slipping inside through gaps, vents, and torn screens. A second smaller wave happens on warm February and March afternoons, when overwintering bugs wake up indoors and head for windows.

Should I vacuum or crush stink bugs in my house?

Vacuum, every time. Crushing releases the cilantro-like defensive odor and can stain walls and fabric. Use a shop vac or a vacuum with a disposable bag, empty it outside right after, and seal the bag in a trash can away from the house.

Why am I seeing stink bugs inside in February when it is freezing out?

Those bugs have been overwintering in your attic, soffits, or wall voids since fall. A warm sunny day raises temperatures in those spaces enough to wake them up, and they move toward light at upstairs windows and ceiling fixtures. The fix is exclusion in late summer plus a preventive exterior treatment in early fall before next year's wave arrives.