Stink Bugs

Brown marmorated stink bugs are part of the group of pests known as fall invaders. They are easily recognizable because of the triangular-shaped plates on their backs that look like tiny shields. In fact, because of their appearance, they’ve earned the nickname "shield bugs”. 

Stink bugs are grayish-brown but can also have coppery or bluish-metallic patches. They have six legs, small heads, and a set of long antennae. Nearly as wide as they are long, stink bugs grow to about the size of a dime.

Stink bugs first arrived in the United States in 1996. They got their name from their ability to emit a foul smell from small glands located on their thorax when they feel threatened or are squished. The scent they emit is often compared to cilantro, which many people think tastes much better than it smells (unless, of course, you’re one of those people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap!).

What Are The Types of Stink Bugs?

There are many different types of stink bugs, all of which have the classic shield-shaped bodies. You can tell the difference between types of stink bugs primarily by their coloring. Brown marmorated stink bugs are the most common stink bugs in Tennessee and the ones you’re most likely to find in your home. 

Are Stink Bugs Dangerous?

Stink bugs are a nuisance pest, as they can gather in large numbers inside or outside your property. Luckily, they are not a threat to people or pets, nor do they reproduce indoors. Stink bugs can cause damage to agricultural and other farm crops, and if vacuumed or squashed, their smell can be quite apparent and unpleasant. However, you don’t have to worry about them biting, stinging, or transmitting diseases to you or your family because they do none of these things.

What Causes Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs are part of a group of pests called fall invaders because they tend to show up in Tennessee homes at this time of year. As the weather gets cooler, they are attracted to the warm, sunny side of structures and will find access to the inside of homes and commercial facilities utilizing cracks and crevices around windows and doors, under siding, and in other areas. 

You may also encounter stink bugs in the early spring when they become active again. If they move into your home in the fall, they will overwinter in the walls, typically remaining dormant until the weather starts to warm up again, at which point they’ll start to make their way outside, which usually results in some stink bug activity in your house first before they find their way outdoors.

How To Get Rid Of Stink Bugs

Stink bugs in and around your home are seeking places to harbor for the winter. We have found the most effective way to reduce the number of stink bugs is with a thorough crack and crevice treatment of stink bug hiding and overwintering spots. Check out our home pest protection services!

Prevention is the best way to avoid a stink bug problem, but if you already have these pests in your house, you can do a few things to get rid of them. Vacuuming is effective, but you’ll need to remove the vacuum bag when you’re done. There is also a homemade trap you can construct out of a soda bottle, as long as you’re willing to empty it regularly. You can also contact All-American Pest Control to provide you with the pest control you need to get rid of stink bugs.