Stink Bug Facts & Information

What do stink bugs look like?

Stink bugs, particularly the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), are shield-shaped insects that typically measure about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in length. They are usually brown or grayish in color, with a mottled pattern on their backs. Their distinguishing feature is the shield-like shape of their body, which is wider at the top and tapers towards the bottom. They also have antennae with light and dark bands.

What do stink bugs eat?

Stink bugs are herbivores and feed on a wide variety of plants. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap from fruits, vegetables, and other plants. This feeding can cause significant damage to crops, leading to blemishes on fruit, wilting, and overall reduced crop yield.

What sort of habitat do stink bugs live in?

Stink bugs are commonly found in agricultural fields, gardens, orchards, and forests. They are also notorious for seeking shelter indoors during the cooler months, entering homes and other structures in search of warmth. They are particularly prevalent in temperate regions, where they can find an abundance of food and suitable places to overwinter.

How do stink bugs commonly behave?

Stink bugs are known for their defensive behavior when threatened or crushed—they release a foul-smelling odor from glands located on their abdomen. This odor is a deterrent to predators and helps protect them. They are slow-moving insects and often congregate in large numbers, especially when they are seeking warmth in the fall. Inside homes, they can be a nuisance, though they do not bite or cause structural damage.

Did you know this about stink bugs?

The brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species in many parts of the world, including the United States, where it has become a significant agricultural pest. Interestingly, the odor they release when disturbed is chemically complex, containing compounds that can be detected by humans and other animals at very low concentrations. Despite their unappealing smell, stink bugs have natural predators, including birds, spiders, and certain types of parasitic wasps, which help keep their populations in check in their native environments.