Top Facts About Stink Bugs

Here Are Downriver Pest Control's Top 6 Facts About Stink Bugs

1. Their Stinky Defense Mechanism

Stink bugs get their name from the foul-smelling chemical they release when threatened or crushed. This odor is designed to repel predators, and it’s strong enough to linger for hours!

2. Not Native to the U.S.

The brown marmorated stink bug (the most common species in the U.S.) is actually an invasive species from Asia. It was accidentally introduced to the United States in the 1990s and has since spread to nearly every state.

3. They Love the Warmth

Stink bugs are known to invade homes in the fall to find a warm place to overwinter. They often hide in attics, walls, and basements, only to reappear in the spring.

4. They Can Damage Crops

Stink bugs are a significant pest to farmers because they feed on a variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, peaches, and soybeans. Their feeding can lead to discoloration and deformation of crops, causing major agricultural losses.

5. Their Bodies are Designed for Defense

Stink bugs have a hard, shield-shaped exoskeleton that protects them from predators. Their unique shape helps them blend into their environment, making it difficult for predators to spot them.

6. They’re Attracted to Light

Stink bugs are drawn to light, especially during cooler months. You may notice them gathering around windows, doors, or outdoor lights as they try to enter your home.

Seal entry points

Use caulk to seal cracks around windows, doors, and utility openings. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.

Maintain outdoor areas

Keep vegetation trimmed away from your home, and remove debris like piles of leaves and wood where stink bugs may hide.

Turn off outdoor lights

Stink bugs are attracted to light, so try to minimize outdoor lighting, especially during late summer and early fall.

Call us

Reach out to us if you are seeing large numbers of stink bugs in or around your home. We can help find a solution.