How to Get Rid of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
A shield-shaped, mottled brown bug that invades homes in fall to overwinter and feeds on fruit and vegetables in summer. It releases a sharp odor when disturbed or crushed. If you are seeing them indoors and in gardens and on plants, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Seal cracks around windows, siding and vents before fall
- Knock indoor bugs into a jar of soapy water
- Use a vacuum with a disposable bag for large groups
Stink bugs don't bite or sting people; they are a household and crop nuisance.
Confirm you have brown marmorated stink bugs
Before you treat anything, make sure you are really dealing with brown marmorated stink bugs. Adults measure 12–17 mm (up to about 0.67 in) and are usually brown and gray. Look for these features:
- Shield-shaped, marbled brown body
- White bands on the antennae and legs
- Alternating light and dark bands along the edge of the abdomen
They are most often confused with western conifer seed bug, wheel bug and squash bug. See the full brown marmorated stink bug profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have brown marmorated stink bugs
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in fall and winter, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see brown marmorated stink bugs
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs are most active in fall and winter. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere and garden or plants.
Step-by-step: getting rid of brown marmorated stink bugs
Step 1: Seal cracks around windows
Seal cracks around windows, siding and vents before fall. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 2: Knock indoor bugs into a jar of soapy water
Knock indoor bugs into a jar of soapy water. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Step 3: Use a vacuum with a disposable bag for large groups
Use a vacuum with a disposable bag for large groups. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
- Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
- Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
- Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Call a licensed pest control company if you still see brown marmorated stink bugs after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.
How to keep brown marmorated stink bugs from coming back
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
- Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
- Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
- Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.
Safety notes
Stink bugs don't bite or sting people; they are a household and crop nuisance.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About true bugs
The brown marmorated stink bug is one of the true bugs. True bugs have piercing, straw-like mouthparts used to suck plant sap or, in a few species, blood. They develop through gradual metamorphosis: nymphs look like small, wingless adults and molt several times as they grow. Many release strong odors from scent glands when threatened.
Because nymphs look like adults, you'll often see mixed sizes of the same bug together, which is a good sign that a population is breeding nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of brown marmorated stink bugs?
Seal cracks around windows, siding and vents before fall. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are brown marmorated stink bugs dangerous?
Stink bugs don't bite or sting people; they are a household and crop nuisance.
When are brown marmorated stink bugs most active?
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs are most active in fall and winter.
What do brown marmorated stink bugs look like?
Shield-shaped, marbled brown body. Adults measure 12–17 mm (up to about 0.67 in).