The stink bug gets its name from the unpleasant-smelling aldehydes it releases when threatened or crushed by humans.
With their distinctive shield shape and mottled appearance, the brown marmorated stink bug (“Halyomorpha halys”) is a frequent guest in homes and gardens across Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
Pennsylvania is their home, as the stink bug was first discovered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the mid-90s.
There are over 5,000 stink bug species, or Hemiptera Pentatomidae, in the United States. The brown marmorated stink bug is the species commonly found in Eastern Pennsylvania.
It is an invasive species and will move indoors during the fall to find overwintering sites. Stink bugs do not pose any health risks to people, although some are allergic to the chemicals they release.
Luckily, stink bugs do not breed inside your home’s walls, but they tend to hibernate during the winter inside warm basements.
Learn more about stink bugs, where they get their name, and how to safely get rid of stink bugs without triggering their odor.
How Did Stink Bugs Get Their Name?
Stink bugs release a foul-smelling chemical when they feel threatened or crushed—hence the name “stink bug.”
This odor comes from specialized glands in their abdomen and acts as a natural defense mechanism, much like how a skunk uses scent to deter predators.
Once released, the smell can cling to fabrics, shoes, vacuum filters, and other surfaces, making it difficult to remove if the insect is stepped on or smeared. The intensity of the odor can also vary from one stink bug to another, which is why some smell far stronger than others.
What Gives Stink Bugs Their Smell?
Stink bugs release an odor composed of aldehydes and organic compounds. These chemicals serve two key purposes:
- Defense: When handled, trapped, or crushed, stink bugs emit a strong odor to warn predators.
- Communication: When stink bugs find suitable overwintering sites—like your attic—they release a different scent that humans can’t detect. This pheromone signals other stink bugs to join them.
This is why homeowners often find dozens of stink bugs gathering in the same area, including attics, basements, and the side of your home that faces the sun at night.
Why Can Only Some People Smell Stink Bugs?
Not everyone detects a stink bug’s odor the same way, and this comes down to differences between both the insects and the people encountering them.
Individual stink bugs produce slightly different chemical compounds, so some naturally give off a stronger or sharper smell. At the same time, human sensitivity to the aldehydes in stink bug odor varies widely—some people pick up the scent immediately, while others barely notice it at all.
It’s similar to perfume: a fragrance that seems faint to one person can feel overpowering to someone else.
Key Facts About Stink Bugs in Pennsylvania
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive species from Asia that thrives in temperate regions like Eastern PA. Today, it’s the most common stink bug found in the Northeast.
Key facts about PA’s stink bug population include:
- First U.S. discovery occurred in Allentown, PA (1996)
- Over 5,000 species of stink bugs exist in the U.S., but the brown marmorated species dominates in PA
- They do not breed indoors—they overwinter in homes and emerge in spring
- They cause significant agricultural damage, especially to apples, peaches, tomatoes, and corn
Because homes provide warmth and shelter during cold months, stink bugs gather in wall voids, attics, and basements from September through March.
What Purpose Does a Stink Bug Serve?
Less-than-complimentary nickname aside, some stink bug species are helpful.
The brown marmorated stink bug releases carbohydrates after feeding that are beneficial to the pollination of plants and the natural control of pests.
Some stink bug species are carnivorous and will eat insects like beetles, caterpillars, or aphids, pests that typically feed on plants. The insect-hungry stink bugs help keep the pest population down and growers’ crops prosperous.
Some stink bug varieties are believed to have medicinal properties.
An old wives’ tale says having a stink bug in your house is good luck. If you are superstitious, think twice about getting rid of any you find in your home!
How Do Stink Bugs Get Into My Home?
Like most insects, stink bugs enter a home through the smallest of openings—ripped or torn window screens, gaps in a window or door frame, or cracks in a wall.
Once inside, stink bugs are skilled at hiding and prefer low-traffic areas of a house. Look for them in folds of curtains or draperies, attics or crawl spaces, or basements.
The most effective way to protect your home against stink bugs is to secure any openings. Walk around your home’s exterior and inspect it closely. Seal any cracks or crevices, close all windows and doors tightly, and fix any gaps in window or door frames.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs
The best way to remove a stink bug is to gently capture it in a paper towel or paper napkin and release it from an open window.
The brown marmorated stink bug has very few, if any, natural predators, so Mother Nature is not much help when it comes to exterminating these pests.
One easy way to deter stink bugs from entering your home is to keep your landscaping in check. If any trees or shrubs touch your house’s exterior, that gives stink bugs easier access to doors, windows, cracks, and crevices.
Some people will try to remove stink bugs with a vacuum cleaner. While it is effective, just keep in mind that their odor lingers, so it is best to use a hand-held vacuum solely for this purpose.
If your home is overrun with stink bugs in large numbers, it’s best to call in a pest management expert.
DIY remedies produce mixed results due to the species’ robust nature. An experienced pest management technician can offer the best solution for ending your stink bug problems for good.
FAQs
Do stink bugs cause damage inside the home?
No. Stink bugs don’t chew wood, destroy wiring, or reproduce indoors during winter. Most of their damage occurs outdoors on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
Why do stink bugs suddenly appear in large numbers?
When temperatures drop, stink bugs seek warm overwintering sites. Once one enters, it releases a scent undetectable to humans that signals others to follow, leading to sudden cluster sightings.
Are stink bugs dangerous or poisonous?
Stink bugs aren’t harmful to humans or pets. They don’t bite, but their odor can trigger mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
What’s the best way to get rid of a stink bug without the smell?
Gently capture it with a cup or paper towel and release it outdoors. Avoid crushing or vacuuming them with your household vacuum, as the smell can linger.
Can pest control permanently stop stink bugs?
Because stink bugs enter from outside in large numbers each fall, no method offers a 100% permanent fix. However, professional exclusion services and seasonal treatments greatly reduce infestations.
Why do stink bugs return every year?
Stink bugs are seasonal overwintering pests. They re-emerge and search for warm structures each fall, often returning to the same homes unless entry points are sealed.
