See List of Pest

Stink Bug

Appearance

Shield shape with protruding head and banded antennae

Color

Range of browns with different markings – cream, gray, copper, black and/or bluish

Size

1.5 – 2 centimeters long

Habitat

In and around host plants and agricultural food sources; indoors when cooler

Interesting Facts

Stink bugs get their name because of their ability to emit a pungent odor through holes in their abdomen when threatened

About the Stink Bug

Stink bugs are not native to the United States, but since their accidental introduction in the late 1990s, they have become a substantial agricultural pest, doing damage to large crops of fruits and vegetables. They become a nuisance in urban areas during cooler months because they enter the indoors seeking warm shelter. If undetected, they will hibernate; however, because of artificial heat, their natural rhythms may become disturbed. Many people notice stink bugs clumsily flying around lights.

Stink Bug Control

Stink bugs aren’t dangerous to humans (they don’t bite or sting), but because of their numbers and their offensive odor, they can quickly become a nuisance, especially during cooler months.

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