Stink Bugs in the House: Why They Come In and What to Do
Every fall, shield-shaped brown bugs start piling up on window screens and sunny walls. Here's what's going on and what actually helps.
What they are
The brown marmorated stink bug is mottled brown, about the size of a thumbnail, with a shield-like shape and pale bands on its antennae and along the edges of its body. In fall they look for a warm, sheltered place to spend the winter, and your house qualifies.
Are they dangerous?
No. They don't bite, and they don't damage your home or food. The problem is the smell they release when crushed or disturbed, and the sheer numbers. They can damage garden crops and fruit outdoors.
What to do
- Vacuum them up. Empty the vacuum right away, since the smell lingers.
- Or sweep them into a bucket of soapy water. Don't squash them.
- Skip indoor sprays and bug bombs. They don't solve the problem, and the dead bugs are still there to clean up.
- Call before fall. Closing the entry points and treating the outside of the home at the right time does more than anything you can do inside.
What to expect
Some will hide inside walls and attics and come out on warm days in winter or spring. That's normal and doesn't mean a new invasion.
When to call a pro
If you get large numbers every year, a professional can treat the outside of your home. Timing matters, so ask about it before the next fall.