Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Description

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs in Spokane, WA and Coeur d'Alene, ID

Brown marmorated stink bugs are invasive insects that quickly became a nuisance across the United States in the 00’s. Although they were originally introduced in the northeastern United States, the brown marmorated stink bug made their way across the country and is now firmly established in the Pacific Northwest. 

These bugs don’t bite or sting, but they do cause widespread agricultural damage and can be a major annoyance in homes. 

True to their name, they also produce a pungent, foul-smelling odor as a defense mechanism when threatened. They don’t reproduce indoors, but they often enter buildings in the fall to overwinter in walls, attics, or crawl spaces.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Habitat

Outdoors, stink bugs are typically found on trees, crops, and garden plants, where they feed by piercing fruit, vegetables, and leaves. They are especially problematic in orchards and farms, where they’ll eat a variety of crops and leave behind bruised, inedible produce. 

As temperatures drop, adult stink bugs will seek shelter inside homes and buildings, squeezing through small cracks and gaps to escape the cold. Once inside, they become dormant until spring, when they’ll try to reemerge and exit the building. 

For home and business owners in Spokane WA and Coeur d’Alene ID, this seasonal invasion isn’t something that can be ignored. Indoor stink bug activity can lead to foul odors, ruined stored goods, and negative customer impressions. In large numbers, they can be difficult to manage without professional help.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Brown marmorated stink bugs are not dangerous to humans or pets, but their presence can be unsettling. In agricultural settings, however, they should be considered a serious threat. Their feeding damages crops, reduces yields, and increases costs for farmers and orchardists. If left unchecked, their populations can grow rapidly.

The most obvious sign of an infestation is seeing the bugs themselves, especially near windows, doors, or light fixtures. Their odor is their primary defense, making them unpleasant to crush or handle. 

If you suspect stink bugs have made their way into your home or are damaging your plants, contact a licensed pest control professional for guidance on exclusion, removal, and prevention strategies.