Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Halyomorpha halys
Brown marmorated stink bugs are shield-shaped insects measuring 5/8 inch long with mottled brown coloring and distinctive white bands on antennae and legs. They emit a strong, unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed as a defense mechanism. These invasive pests aggregate in large numbers when seeking overwintering sites, making them significant structural invaders in fall.
Habitat & Behavior
Stink bugs feed on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants during summer. As temperatures drop in fall, they seek indoor shelter and gather in large numbers on warm exterior walls before entering through cracks and gaps. They hide in attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, and behind baseboards. On warm winter days and in spring, they become active and may emerge indoors.
Signs of Infestation
- Shield-shaped brown bugs clustering on exterior walls in fall
- Bugs appearing indoors around windows, light fixtures, and ceilings
- Unpleasant odor when bugs are disturbed or accidentally crushed
- Large numbers gathering on south and west-facing walls on sunny days
- Bugs emerging from wall voids or attics during warm periods
- Damage to garden plants, fruits, and vegetables in summer
Health & Property Risks
Stink bugs are primarily nuisance pests that don't bite, sting, or reproduce indoors. However, they invade in overwhelming numbers that can number in the thousands. Their defensive odor is unpleasant and persistent. While they don't cause structural damage, they can damage crops, gardens, and ornamental plants outdoors. The odor attracts more stink bugs, amplifying future invasions if not controlled.
Prevention Tips
- Seal all cracks, gaps, and openings in exterior walls before fall
- Repair or replace damaged screens on windows, doors, and vents
- Install door sweeps and repair weather stripping
- Caulk around utility pipes, cables, and other penetrations
- Remove window air conditioners before fall or seal gaps around them
- Vacuum bugs found indoors rather than crushing them to avoid odor
Professional Treatment Approach
Greenix's stink bug control emphasizes preventive exterior treatments applied in late summer before fall migration begins. We treat building perimeters, focusing on likely entry points including soffits, overhangs, windows, and doors. Our residual insecticides create a barrier that intercepts stink bugs before entry. For indoor infestations, we treat wall voids, attics, and harborage areas. Timing is critical - treatments must occur before large-scale invasions in fall for maximum effectiveness.
Related Pests
Other common seasonal you might encounter
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