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Stink bug against a white background - Keep stink bugs out of your home with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Stink Bug

Actual Size: ¾”

Characteristics: Marbled brown, gray, or green with a distinctive shield-shaped body.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: 2 pairs

Habitat: They are frequently found outdoors near trees and in sunlit areas when indoors.

Habits:

  • Release a strong, unpleasant odor as a defensive mechanism 
  • Can inflict significant damage to several crops, including fruit trees. 
  • During autumn, will sometimes enter homes in large numbers to overwinter.
  • Feeds on the sap of plants, including fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and crops.

Stink Bugs in Central Arkansas

Stink bugs are large, shield-shaped insects found throughout the United States. Their name stems from the scent emitted by chemicals secreted from glands on their abdomen, possibly serving as a defense mechanism against predators. These pests primarily target crops, including fruit trees, causing damage. During the fall, they often invade homes seeking warmth, becoming a nuisance for homeowners. Stink bugs are drawn to the south sides of structures on warm autumn days, seeking sheltered spots for overwintering, and may enter homes in significant numbers.

Stink Bug Habitat

In the wild, adult stink bugs hibernate during winter by seeking out crevices or residing beneath the peeling bark of mature or dead trees. With the onset of early autumn, stink bugs actively seek out locations suitable for winter shelter. Outdoors, these insects frequently inhabit exterior surfaces of buildings, as well as areas with leaf litter and dense vegetation. Upon infiltrating homes, stink bugs tend to gather near entrances, including doors and windows, preferring narrow, elevated spaces for concealment. They commonly seek refuge in crevices beneath or behind baseboards, around door and window trim, and near ceiling fixtures such as exhaust fans or lights. As spring arrives, adults transition from their wintering sites to host plants.

Stink Bug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Stink bugs are harmless creatures that do not bite or sting, posing no danger to humans, households, or pets. While they are not aggressive, they are known for their loud buzzing and offensive odor. Homeowners may feel uneasy when confronted with large numbers of stink bugs infiltrating their homes. Although stink bugs do not reproduce or harm structures indoors, they release a foul smell when crushed or disturbed and can leave stains on surfaces.

If you have a stink bug problem in your Central Arkansas property, contact your local exterminators for help.