Stink bugs, recognized by their distinctive shield-shaped bodies, are a common sight in and around homes, particularly as seasons change. While they pose no health threat to humans, they are known for releasing a pungent odor when disturbed. Understanding their habits, including where they hide, helps in managing their presence.
Why Stink Bugs Seek Shelter
As outdoor temperatures decline in the fall, stink bugs begin seeking sheltered environments to survive the colder months. This behavior is driven by their need to enter a state called diapause, a period of inactivity that is similar to hibernation. During diapause, their metabolism slows significantly; they do not feed or reproduce, but rather seek a protected place to conserve energy until spring. This natural instinct causes them to congregate on the sunny sides of structures, eventually finding ways inside.
Common Indoor Hiding Spots
Once inside a home, stink bugs seek dark, quiet, and undisturbed locations. Wall voids and spaces within ceilings are common choices. They can also be found in attics and garages, which are often unheated. These areas provide the necessary cool, dry conditions for diapause. Basements and crawl spaces, being typically damp, also serve as suitable hiding spots.
Stink bugs may also tuck themselves into furniture, behind curtains, or within storage boxes. They are often observed around window and door frames, as these areas provide small cracks and crevices for them to squeeze into. Sometimes, they may emerge into living spaces during warmer spells in winter, drawn to light fixtures or windows as they seek to move.
Outdoor Habitats and Entry Points
During warmer months, stink bugs typically reside outdoors in various natural habitats. They can be found in agricultural fields, orchards, and gardens, feeding on plants, fruits, and vegetables. Natural overwintering spots outdoors include under rocks, leaf litter, woodpiles, and beneath the peeling bark of dead trees, particularly oak and locust.
To transition indoors, stink bugs exploit numerous entry points into human structures. Common access routes include cracks and crevices in foundations, walls, and siding. They frequently enter around poorly sealed or damaged window and door frames. Utility penetrations (pipes, wires, vents) also provide openings. Unscreened or damaged screens on windows and doors, as well as openings in soffits, fascia, and chimneys, offer easy access.