The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), a non-native insect identified by its distinctive shield-shaped body, has become a familiar presence in North American homes. These bugs are typically about 17 millimeters long, recognizable by their mottled brown and gray coloring. They are particularly noticeable as the weather cools, seeking shelter indoors to overwinter. Once inside, they tend to congregate in high, quiet areas like attics, walls, or near window frames, sometimes emerging when indoor warmth causes them to become active.
The Truth About Stink Bug Bites
The immediate concern for many people encountering these insects is whether they pose a physical threat, but stink bugs do not bite humans. This is due to their specialized mouthparts, which are designed exclusively for consuming plant matter. Their diet consists of the juices and sap they extract from various plants and fruits, making them significant agricultural pests.
Their mouth structure is a piercing-sucking apparatus known as a rostrum, which functions like a long, straw-like tube. This proboscis is used to pierce plant tissue and draw up the liquefied plant material. The stylets that support the proboscis are not strong enough to penetrate human skin, meaning a true defensive bite is physically impossible. If a person feels a momentary, sharp sensation, it is likely an accidental probe from the bug confusing skin for a plant surface.
Understanding Their Defense Strategy
The characteristic “stink” is their primary defense mechanism, which they employ when they feel threatened, are handled, or are crushed. This odor is caused by the release of volatile organic compounds, primarily aldehydes, from specialized glands. These glands are located on the underside of the thorax and on the dorsal surface of the abdomen.
The chemical mixture acts as a powerful deterrent to predators, often described as smelling like a combination of cilantro and dirty socks. While the smell is unpleasant and can linger, the chemicals themselves are harmless to humans.
Safe and Effective Removal Methods
Since crushing a stink bug triggers the release of the foul-smelling defense compounds, physical removal methods are recommended for insects found indoors. One effective and least messy option is to gently vacuum them up using a hose attachment. If a vacuum with a bag is used, the bag should be sealed and disposed of immediately in an outdoor trash receptacle to prevent the odor from permeating the home.
A simple alternative is the soap and water trap, which takes advantage of the bug’s natural reaction to a threat. When disturbed, a stink bug will often drop straight down, so a wide-mouthed container filled with water and a few drops of dish soap can be placed directly beneath it. The soap breaks the water’s surface tension, causing the insect to fall in and drown, eliminating the threat of a lingering odor.