All About Stink Bugs

Stink Bugs Identification Guide

Physical Characteristics

Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects, typically about the size of a dime. They have broad bodies with a triangular or semi-oval shape, and their coloration varies from brown and gray to green, depending on the species. Their defining feature is the ability to release a pungent odor from glands located on their thorax when threatened or crushed.

Common Species

• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) - Invasive species, most common in homes

• Green Stink Bug (Chinavia hilaris) - Common in gardens and agricultural areas

• Southern Green Stink Bug (Nezara viridula) - More common in warmer months

Stink Bugs Behavior and Biology

Stink bugs primarily feed on plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, piercing the surface to suck out nutrients. They are highly mobile and seek shelter in the fall to overwinter inside homes, often gathering in large numbers on the sunny sides of buildings. In the spring, they emerge to continue their life cycle, laying eggs on plant leaves.

How We Treat for Stink Bugs

Overwintering stink bugs are best managed through preventative treatments. Before the weather turns cold, usually in October, our technicians apply dust treatments in exterior voids such as weep holes, behind siding, and around windows and doors. This creates a barrier that deters entry. If stink bugs have already entered, interior treatments focus on repellent materials around window seals, door frames, and baseboards. In severe cases, dusting within wall voids may be necessary.

Exterior perimeter treatments with a repellent material like Bifen IT provide additional control. However, exclusion is key—sealing cracks, repairing damaged screens, and addressing moisture issues help prevent infestations from recurring.