During the late summer and early fall seasons, strange-looking shield-shaped insects start to appear indoors and on the sides of houses. These fast-spreading pests also attack plants in gardens and on farms. What are they? More than likely they are stink bugs and they come out in very large numbers, draining the juices from fruits, vegetables and plants, making them unsalable and unusable.
Because stink bugs emerge in such large numbers, they can infest properties quickly. The flying insects are larger than mosquitoes and some spiders, causing many property owners to worry One of the questions that we at Ehrlich get asked most often about stink bugs is: do they bite?
If you are seeing too many stink bugs around your home or property and are worried about what they can do to your garden, farm, crops, vegetables, or family, contact Ehrlich today to discuss how we can protect your home and property.
The first question you might ask is: what is a stink bug? A stink bug is an invasive insect that came to the U.S. from Asia. it was most likely transported in goods from Japan or some other region. They were first discovered in Pennsylvania in 1998 and quickly spread across the country.
The most common species in North America is the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), and scientific name is Halyomorpha halys. The BMSB is about 1.7 centimeters long and just about as wide. They are brown with white spots or stripes, and one of their most distinguishing characteristics is their shield-shaped, with wide “shoulders” and a body that tapers at the end.
You might be wondering why do stink bugs just sit there for long periods of time. This behavior is actually quite common, especially during colder months. Stink bugs tend to stay still, often seeking sheltered spots inside homes to hibernate. They are not dead or inactive, but are simply waiting out the cold. This is a survival tactic - when temperatures warm up, they become more active and are capable of flying.
Stink bugs use a piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on plants. They pierce the skin of fruits and vegetables, then draw out the juices inside. Their feeding can leave small, dark, or shriveled spots on crops like tomatoes, apples, peaches, and peppers.
While they don’t feed on people or animals, the damage they cause to plants can make produce unsalable. Because they feed on such a wide range of crops, stink bugs can be a serious problem for homeowners and farmers. If you notice damaged fruit or leaves in your garden, it could be a sign of stink bug activity.
It is extremely unlikely that a stink bug will bite a person. Is it out of the realm of possibility? It cannot be ruled out, but the person would have to be handling the insect in such a threatening way that it would bite out of pure defense, and stink bugs prefer to release a powerful and offensive scent as their first line of defense before they resort to biting.
So, if you have seen a lot of stink bugs and perhaps even seen one land on you and find that you have a bite, more than likely it is that of a mosquito or some other insect. Stink bugs do not suck blood, do not wish to consume anything that mammals have, and do not seek out humans or animals to feed on. If you notice a peculiar and powerful smell from where the stink bugs congregate, or after you crush one, or see the feeding marks on your vegetables, those are clearer signs of stink bugs.
Stink bugs aren’t considered dangerous to people. They don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases. However, they can release an unpleasant odor when handled or crushed. This smell is their way of defending themselves from predators.
For some people, especially those sensitive to strong scents, the odor may cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction. These cases are rare, but if you experience a rash or breathing discomfort after contact with a stink bug, it’s best to wash the affected area and speak to a healthcare professional.
There are no known risks to pets from stink bugs. They are no more likely to bite pets, such as dogs and cats, or other animals that might run into them, than humans. They do not have venom, they do not secrete venom, and they pose no serious health risk to pets.
However, if you are dealing with a stink bug infestation in your house or on your property, it can become quite a nuisance. If you have a problem with too many stink bugs around your home or property, in your garden, or inside your home, contact Erhlich stink bug technicians.
Stink bugs can be tough to handle with DIY steps alone. They hide in small gaps around doors, windows, siding, and vents, so vacuuming or sealing a few openings usually only provides temporary relief.
At Ehrlich, we use targeted treatments to help reduce stink bugs and prevent them from entering your property. In the fall, our technicians apply two exterior barrier treatments to key spots around your home, including behind shutters, along the foundation, eaves, and around exterior lights.
We also follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. This means we look for the openings stink bugs use and work with you to seal them, which helps reduce indoor activity.
For year-round support, our PestFree365 program1 includes routine visits and ongoing monitoring for covered pests. This helps protect your home through every season.
If stink bugs are becoming a problem, contact us to learn how our services can help reduce activity and protect your home.
People often mistake stink bugs for other insects that are more likely to bite when threatened. Their shield-shaped bodies can also feel sharp if one lands on you, which can be mistaken for a bite.
When a stink bug is crushed or feels threatened, it releases a pungent smell. For some people, contact with the insect or its scent can cause mild skin irritation or an allergic reaction. These reactions can look or feel like a bite, even though stink bugs are extremely unlikely to bite humans.
No, stink bugs don’t sting. They rely on their strong odor to defend themselves instead.
No, stink bugs do not spread diseases to people. They don’t carry pathogens, and they don’t feed on blood, food, or waste the way some other insects do.
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