Washington DC

What are Stink Bugs?

There are many different species of stink bugs, but the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an exotic invasive species that arrived in the United States in the late 1990s. It has quickly spread from its point of introduction near Allentown, Pennsylvania and is becoming a serious pest throughout the Mid-Atlantic states.  

Why are Stink Bugs invading my house?

Stink bugs congregate in large numbers on sunny days in the early autumn to keep warm. As the weather cools, stink bugs enter homes through cracks and crevices around windows, under siding, or beneath roof flashing. During the winter months, stink bugs hibernate inside wall voids in your home. In the spring, or on mild, sunny days in the winter, stink bugs exit the structure through the same cracks that they entered, although many individuals will become trapped inside the living space of the house.

What do Stink Bugs do?

Inside homes, stink bugs are considered a nuisance pest. They do not bite, cause structural damage, or spoil foods. When disturbed, they can release an unpleasant odor from abdominal glands as a defense mechanism. Stink bugs are rapidly becoming an agricultural pest in corn, soybeans, tomatoes, peppers and fruit trees like peaches and apples.