Danger Level: 1/5

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Halyomorpha halys

Brown marmorated stink bugs are shield-shaped insects, 14-17mm long, with mottled brown coloring. Key identifiers include alternating light and dark bands on the antennae and along the abdomen edges. ...

Quick Facts

Size14-17mm long
ColorMottled brown, shield-shaped
Lifespan6-8 months
Active SeasonsFall invasion, Spring emergence
Common LocationsSunny walls, Windows, Attics

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Identification

How to Identify Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Quick Answer

Brown marmorated stink bugs are shield-shaped insects, 14-17mm long, with mottled brown coloring. Key identifiers include alternating light and dark bands on the antennae and along the abdomen edges.

Brown marmorated stink bugs are shield-shaped insects, 14-17mm long, with mottled brown coloring. Key identifiers include alternating light and dark bands on the antennae and along the abdomen edges. They release a pungent odor when disturbed or crushed—often described as cilantro-like.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - showing key features for identification
Behavior

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Behavior & Habits

Understanding how brown marmorated stink bug behave helps prevent infestations

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug behavior and habitat

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.

Dangers

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Risks & Dangers

What brown marmorated stink bug can do to your health and property

Health Risks

Stink bugs are not harmful to humans—they don't bite, sting, or transmit disease. Their odor is unpleasant but not dangerous.

Property Damage

No structural damage. Their primary impact is nuisance, especially when large numbers congregate inside or their odor permeates living spaces.

Warning Signs

Signs of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Infestation

Look for these indicators in your home

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

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Boise & the Treasure Valley

Brown marmorated stink bugs arrived in Idaho relatively recently and are becoming increasingly common in the Treasure Valley. They're especially problematic near orchards and gardens. Fall invasions can involve hundreds of bugs on a single home.

Our Solution

How We Eliminate Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Professional treatment for complete elimination

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.

Prevention

How to Prevent Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation

1
Seal cracks and gaps before fall
2
Install door sweeps and repair screens
3
Caulk around windows and utility penetrations
4
Vacuum bugs inside instead of crushing
5
Schedule preventive exterior treatment in early fall
FAQ

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Questions Answered

Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment

Why do stink bugs smell so bad?

Stink bugs release defensive chemicals from glands on their thorax when threatened. The smell deters predators. Vacuuming them up (rather than crushing) helps avoid releasing the odor.

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