Stink bugs, recognized by their distinctive shield-shaped bodies and the unpleasant odor they release when disturbed, are frequently encountered as household invaders. The widespread brown marmorated stink bug is a prime example. This article clarifies common concerns about their potential harm to people and plants.
Direct Impacts on People and Animals
Stink bugs pose no direct threat to humans or pets. Their mouthparts are designed for piercing plants to extract juices, not for biting skin. While they can technically pierce human skin, such instances are rare and accidental, not aggressive. Stink bugs do not suck blood, nor are they venomous or poisonous.
For individuals with sensitive skin, contact with the defensive fluid can cause mild skin irritation or dermatitis. Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible, presenting symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, or skin reactions. Ingestion by pets, while not toxic, can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. Dogs and cats may experience temporary vomiting, excessive drooling, or mouth irritation from bitter secretions. These symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours.
Agricultural and Environmental Damage
While harmless to people and pets, stink bugs are significant agricultural pests. The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), an invasive species from Asia, has rapidly spread across many regions, including North America. This expansion is partly due to the absence of natural predators in newly invaded areas.
These insects feed on a wide array of high-value crops, including fruits (apples, peaches, cherries, grapes) and vegetables (corn, soybeans, tomatoes, peppers). Stink bugs use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant fluids, causing damage that manifests as pitting, scarring, and discoloration on fruits. In field crops, feeding can result in shriveled kernels or delayed maturity. Such damage renders crops unmarketable and leads to substantial economic losses. Beyond direct feeding, the wounds created by stink bug activity can also provide entry points for plant diseases, impacting crop health and yield.
Clarifying Common Concerns
A common concern is whether stink bugs transmit diseases. These insects do not carry or transmit diseases to humans or animals. Their primary defense mechanism, releasing a foul odor, is a chemical deterrent.
This distinctive “stink” is produced by specific compounds. The odor, often described as resembling coriander, cilantro, or skunk, is unpleasant but not harmful or toxic to breathe. When stink bugs enter homes, particularly in cooler months seeking shelter, they are largely a nuisance pest. They do not cause structural damage to buildings or reproduce indoors.