Stink bugs are common household pests, recognized by their shield-like body and the unpleasant odor they release. The brown marmorated stink bug, an invasive species, arrived in the United States from Asia in the 1990s. While not harmful to humans, their tendency to gather in large numbers and emit a foul smell makes them a nuisance, especially when they invade homes.
The End of Stink Bug Season
The active season for stink bugs outdoors typically runs from March through September, for feeding and reproduction. However, the period often referred to as “stink bug season” for homeowners occurs from late summer through the fall. This shift occurs as temperatures drop, signaling the end of outdoor feeding.
As cooler weather arrives, stink bugs instinctively search for sheltered locations to survive the impending cold. This drive often leads them to invade homes, making their presence more noticeable. Timing varies regionally; warmer climates may see outdoor activity extend further. Therefore, the “end of the season” marks their transition from outdoor activity to seeking overwintering sites, rather than their disappearance.
Stink Bug Behavior After the Season
Once stink bugs find a suitable sheltered spot, they enter a dormant state known as diapause. Similar to hibernation, their metabolism slows, and they remain inactive throughout colder months. During diapause, they do not feed or reproduce, instead conserving energy until warmer conditions return.
They often congregate in wall voids, attics, basements, and around window moldings inside homes. They are drawn to warm, sun-exposed areas like south-facing walls for shelter. Stink bugs also release pheromones, chemical signals attracting others to these sites. While generally inactive, a sudden warm spell during winter can sometimes trick them into becoming active, causing them to emerge indoors. They emerge from hiding in spring, once temperatures rise consistently, to move outdoors and resume their life cycle.
Managing Stink Bugs in and Around Your Home
Preventing stink bugs from entering your home is the most effective management approach. Begin by sealing potential entry points around your home’s exterior. This includes caulking cracks around windows, door frames, and utility pipe penetrations. Inspect and repair torn or damaged screens on windows and doors, and install door sweeps and weatherstripping for tighter seals. Minimizing outdoor lighting also helps, as stink bugs are attracted to light.
If stink bugs get inside, avoid crushing them, as this releases their foul odor. Instead, they can be carefully vacuumed up and emptied outdoors. Another method is to gently knock them into a bucket of soapy water to drown them. Simple homemade traps, like a pan of soapy water under a light source, can also attract and eliminate them.