Get Stink Bug Control Near You

Stink bugs are attracted to warm, sheltered areas in search of protection from cold weather. They may be drawn to your house by sunlight, warmth, and small openings that provide indoor access. Combine the tips above with treatment from Fox Pest Control for complete protection from stink bugs!

Most stink bugs don’t have the ability to bite or sting; instead, they rely on their distinctive odor as a defense mechanism. However, certain predatory species can pierce human skin with their mouth, and some plant-eating stink bugs might bite if handled, though it is rare.

Most stink bugs feed on plants. During the spring, they often feed on weeds or grasses before migrating to fields, orchards, and residential areas as adults. In these environments, they feed on a variety of crops including apples, peaches, berries, peppers, beans, pecans, as well as field crops like sorghum and cotton. Stink bugs have also been seen feeding on ornamental plants around homes.

Stink bugs can fly up to three miles per day when necessary. On the ground, their wings fold up on their backs, giving them a shield-like appearance. However, during flight, their wings help them use wind currents to travel longer distances.

Stink bugs, originally from Eastern Asia, were introduced to the United States in the mid-1990s. Their native range includes countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. In the U.S., they were first collected in Allentown, PA, in 1996 but weren’t recognized until 2001. Since then, they’ve spread east to New Jersey, then Virginia by 2004, and now southward to the North Carolina border. Although most prevalent in the mid-Atlantic region, they have been found in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Stink bugs are considered invasive pests and can be a nuisance to homeowners. They may enter homes seeking shelter during the fall and winter months, especially in colder climates.