How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

February 7th, 2009 Posted in Ornamental & Lawn Pests



If another bug was facing off against a stink bug in a cage match, the opposing bug’s best bet at defeating the stink bug would be nose plugs. Stink bugs release an odor that deters counterparts. Many insects use external methods when protecting themselves; for example, bees sting in order to protect their colonies. However, the stink bug is the smelly kid in the class of Insectas, but the smelly kid with a secret weapon – the natural ability to keep others away.



This article will answer:

  • What do stink bugs look like?

  • What do stink bugs eat?

  • Where do stink bugs live?

  • How do stink bugs “stink?”

  • What do stink bugs do?

  • How to get rid of stink bugs

What do stink bugs look like?

Stink bugs are broad, shield-shaped bugs with a body length between 5 and 18 millimeters. Adults have four wings and a long, thick beak held between the legs. While most stink bugs are colored green or brown, many are brightly colored or have conspicuous marks.


Stink bugs also have 5 divided sections of their bodies from which their name Pentatomidae came.

The 5 body sections of a stink bug include:

  • Pronotum

  • Scutellum

  • 2 basal leathery portions of hemelytra – one on each side of the scutellum

  • overlapping, membranous portions of hemelytra that seem like 1 section

The stink bug also has 5 antennae, so the number 5 appears to be an important characteristic for this arthropoda.

What do stink bugs eat?

Most stink bugs are plant feeders, although a few are predators (eat other bugs).

Some plants that stink bugs feed on include:

  • Cabbage

  • Cotton

  • Other roadside vegetation

Where do stink bugs live?

Stink bugs inhabit fields, meadows, yards and gardens, specifically on herbaceous plants and low shrubs in these locations. Stink bugs mostly come out at night and are active from spring through late fall.

Finding stink bugs can sometimes be a challenge. Most times, they are all around and easy to spot. However, sometimes the green and brown stink bugs can blend into their surroundings.

The best place to find a stink bug would be in gardens where no insecticides have been used – places that are organic.

How do stink bugs “stink?”

Stink bugs produce odors from thoracic glands in order to defend themselves. These glands are located in their thorax between the first and second pair of legs.

The foul-smelling liquid is released to potential predators and is sometimes discharged when a bug is handled carelessly. For example, humans can make stink bugs release the “stink” by holding the insect with their thumb and forefinger on the sides.

The “stink” is chemically similar to pheromones, or the chemical that triggers natural behavioral responses in another member of the same species. The nymph stink bugs (like adults except smaller and without wings) also have stink glands.

What do stink bugs do?

Both adult and nymph stink bugs are capable of harming plants. With their piercing, sucking mouth-parts, they inject digestive enzymes, distillate plant fluids and permit entry of pathogenic microorganisms.


Stink bugs deposit their eggs on the underside of leaves in groupings with tight rows of individual barrel-shaped eggs. In the early spring, adult females seek out suitable hosts and deposit their eggs on these hosts. These “overwintering” populations of stink bugs are found along field borders, particularly tree lines.

Soon after egg deposition and hatching, nymphs start to emerge, near or on the egg mass. They begin to feed and disperse as they develop. The life cycle continues when reproductively mature, adult stink bugs locate mates and lay new egg masses.

How to get rid of stink bugs

While stink bugs are seldom encountered by humans, they can still indirectly cause harm, whether it’s plant damage or blemishes on fruits. If stink bug numbers overpopulate a plant, then the crop can eventually fail. This is when stink bugs become pests.

While synthetic pesticides might be one option at preventing stink bug harm, the better option is EcoSMART’s organic pesticide products:

“EcoSMART’s breakthrough technology offers powerful solutions to the problems of chemical toxicity and pest resistance. This technology is the first to provide an effective alternative to synthetic pesticides.” These products are safe for the environment and for use around children and pets. Try EcoSMART for free to get rid of stink bugs!

Stink bugs go by a couple of other names, including “Shield Bugs” and “Squash Bugs.” Stink bugs appear to carry their shield across their back, like a Medieval Knight would protect himself with armor. However, the shield is just a front. The stink bugs’ superpower lies in its smell – similar to a toxic gas one of James Bond’s villains would attempt to use on the double agent.

Since the “stink” emitted by stink bugs is similar to pheromones found in many species, perhaps we all put off a smell in order to protect ourselves. Maybe the way each of us smell indicates an inherent message we are trying to communicate. You can blame it on the dog, but maybe it’s you that just wants to be left alone.


Megan McLachlan




organic pest control



  1. 59 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!

  2. By aruna on Sep 14, 2009

    Looking for a safer way to get rid of these stink bugs. When so I saw the ecosmart site I was hopeful that i might have found something safe to use around kids. Hope it works!

  3. By Alan Horner on Oct 24, 2009

    i sure hope this stuff works. ive been finding stink bugs all over the house-20 a day for 2 months now. its crazyyyy

  4. By Kelsey Breaux on Oct 25, 2009

    I hate these bugs!
    We don’t have them at home (at least, not to my knowledge…) but they are all over the place at college.
    If they eat cotton as a plant, will they eat my cotton clothing?
    They are huge and loud, and scary (plus I heard that they can bite people)…Wish they would just go away.

  5. By sheri oneill on Nov 8, 2009

    We have so many stinkbugs that it’s getting to where I want to move. If it’s non-toxic and works, I would LOVE to try EcoSMART!

  6. By Eric on Dec 22, 2009

    Well, they don’t bite and frankly I have yet to smell their deterrent odor. However, they are clumsy like Japanese Beetles and suck at flying, so they’ll just land on your eye out of nowhere. My saw one in the bathroom last month and named it, so now she always says hi when she sees them. Pretty cute for 2 1/2 years old.

    I didn’t realize they can be hazardous to crops, though I’m not surprised. What is it with these skeevie insects from Asia, anyway? Also interesting is how the weren’t really around until the late 90s, and now they’re everywhere.

    I’m curious to see how effective EcoSMART products are. Humans spew WAY too many chemicals into the environment, so an effective alternative would be great!

  7. By Tonya of Baltimore, MD on Jan 9, 2010

    I’ve been finding stinkbugs in my since Aug. 2009 and I’m ready to move! I can’t find the point(s) of entry and it’s driving me crazy! I find myself constantly looking at the walls and ceilings waiting for one to appear – and guess what? Eventurally one does!

  8. By Roy of MD on Jan 15, 2010

    I’m finding stickbugs all over my home. I can’t find where they are getting in the house. I gotta find a way to get rid of these thing it’s driving my wife and kids nuts.I hope EcoSmart works.

  9. By Carolyn Green on Jan 17, 2010

    We are inundated with stink bugs and have been for months. They are all over the house, hide under the sheets and between folded towels. In the attic, hundreds of them line pictures stored there. I’m really getting disgusted with these things. I vacuum and hours later there are both live and dead ones on the floors. I’ve heard they are harmless but they certainly are annoying.

  10. By Laura on Jan 20, 2010

    I too have these in my house they are so nasty. The other night I woke up to one crawl on my arm and tonight on the babies crib. This is horrible – I can no longer sleep. Does this ecosmart work?
    I can not live like this anymore.

  11. By Brian on Jan 28, 2010

    I would love to test Ecosmart I have so many of these bugs that I’m finding 2 or 3 a nite. I caught 25 bugs off the screen porch in the fall in 1 day.

  12. By Jay on Feb 10, 2010

    Its stink bug city here in the shuswap. We own and run a motel, and some years the stink bugs all but run the place. One year i had a woman ringing the bell in an absolute panic, as although i told her not to turn the heat up over 20, she did , and them little heathens came out of the woodwork..litterally, (log building) She was mortified and left screaming as if she was being attaked by bee’s. Alot of people who are not familiar with them, think they are cockroaches. truely bad for business. I could certainly use some help getting rid of them.

  13. By EcoSMART Megan on Feb 10, 2010

    Dear Jay,

    Stinkbugs are definitely not welcomed guests at any motel.

    My suggestion is to spray your rooms top to bottom with an organic pesticide. EcoSMART has a home value bundle that comes with a variety of organic pesticides to use around your motel.

    Your guests will definitely appreciate it!

  14. By DANIELLE on Feb 10, 2010

    I WOULD LOVE TO TEST YOUR PRODUCTS NEVER TRIED THEM BEFORE

  15. By julie olivett on Feb 11, 2010

    We have the buggers too & they drive us crazy as well. We prefer to use eco-friendly products for the environment & the safety of our 5 cats.
    I would love to test these products & if they work well I will definitely be telling everyone that I know!! Everyone is always asking each other how to get rid of them.

  16. By Jen M on Mar 11, 2010

    I’d love to be a tester. I have HUNDREDS of these things inside my house on a sunny day.

  17. By Kathy M on Mar 12, 2010

    Would love to try this stuff! The stink bugs are just driving us crazy. We try to just throw them outside into the snow to get rid of them.

  18. By Don Reeder on Mar 16, 2010

    I can’t find where these critters are getting in, but my attic is loaded with them and occasionally I find them in the house. I sure hope EcoSMART works. Where can I buy it?

  19. By EcoSMART Megan on Mar 17, 2010

    Dear Don Reeder,

    EcoSMART has a store locator on their website. Just enter your zip code to find a store that sells EcoSMART products.

    Or order them online directly from EcoSMART.

  20. By karina rodriguez on Mar 18, 2010

    i hate stinkbugs wodering what they eat????

  21. By EcoSMART Megan on Mar 18, 2010

    Dear Karina Rodriguez,

    Stink bugs feed mostly on plants, a few eat other bugs. These plants include cabbage, cotton and other roadside vegetation

  22. By Leigh on Mar 18, 2010

    I’m testing your product out tonight. I woke up to two of them climbing on my bedside table which is just inches from my bed and am on a mission to get these stinkin things out of my bedroom and my kids bedrooms. I can take them anywhere else in the house (which we have only seem them in our bedrooms which is on the top floor of the house and also the warmest and driest floor). They are scary looking and freaky and I hate them. I have only seen 6 in the last 2 months, but that is 6 too many for me! It seems they are attracted to light and bedding and only come out a night. Do they make nests or anything? I have only seen 2 at most. I read to check window panes and curtains and have done so, but can’t find any when I search…they just randomly appear and scare the crap out of my boys or myself.

  23. By Lauren K on Mar 19, 2010

    Hi

    I need to find a safe way to get rid of the bugs in the house. Stink bugs are the worst. They are everywhere. Im not a fan of bugs, so i look like a lunatic yelling @ them all the time — My daughter thinks its funny, even though she is just as bad. Testing would be a great way to find the right product.

    Thanks.

  24. By Susan B on Mar 21, 2010

    I have had it with the stink bug battle. I’m declaring war! I would love to be an official tester for your products, but I can’t wait any longer to get rid of these evil little biters. I’m off to buy your products and I’ll let you know who wins.

  25. By greg on Mar 22, 2010

    Here in central maryland, the little buggers are driving us clean ’round the bend. My wife is stink-bug-phobic, so i spend most days hearing this:

    “whirrrrr” (sound of stink bug flight)

    “eeeeeeek!” (self explanitory)

    repeat

    This house is recent construction, kept painfully clean, but skink bugs have got to go. If you want a meaningful product test, I’m your man.

  26. By Terry Koechig on Mar 22, 2010

    Stink bugs are already piling up on the window screens – sometimes 20+ on one. Try to keep them out of the house but they are constantly showing up in windows, on house plants, buzzing the lamps and TV and just being a general nuisance. Would love to test your product and blast them back to Asia where they belong!

  27. By Owen on Mar 25, 2010

    I’d love to test a non-toxic solution to these buggers. We had a few two years ago, quite a few last year and already this spring they are coming in thick.

    My wife spoke to a pest-control guy about them and he suggested they nest up in the attic. That may be why some of you have clean houses/no entry points and still have these guys.

    I’d like to try a fogger up there but we have three young kids and a dog to worry about. Sign me up for your testing.

  28. By Tracee on Mar 30, 2010

    i’ll be sure to try this the bugs are so terriable that their practially living with us thanks ecosmart :) – Tracee

  29. By craig hess on Apr 2, 2010

    the stink bug came to us in the 1990’s from asia and were inadvertently released in allentown pennsylvania. They don’t bite but the are everywhere …if you put a porch umbrella in an outdoor shed over winter in the north.These stink bugs will live undistubed within the umbrella until you open the umbrella in the spring and they will all fly away or just sit there. some die but most over winter well…when i see them in my home i pick them up and throw then outside and they sorta just fkly sometime…most of the time they just land …..weed and pest control can kill dogs …rabits ..what ever eats or licks grass….when was the last time you saw a walking sick bug???

  30. By k hoffman on Apr 3, 2010

    I would love to get rid of these stink bugs..I have smelt there odor enough!! We have a cat who chases them around and plays with them until they leave there smell..I need something safe for dogs and cats..This product sounds perfect..We have never had these bugs until about a year ago now they are everywhere..

  31. By Michael on Apr 3, 2010

    We have them and they are awful. I hate bugs of all types (an equal opportunist in this regard) and I’d be happy to test your product.

  32. By patricia on Apr 5, 2010

    Never encountered this bug before. what is echo Smar? How is it any different from the other sprays? Don’t use others in house because of the smell and chocking effect on family. Help

  33. By EcoSMART Megan on Apr 5, 2010

    Dear Patricia,

    EcoSMART products kill and repel pests without harming you, your pets or the environment. See EcoSMART’s main website for more information.

    Or http://www.ecosmart.com/learn-more/how/” rel=”nofollow”>click here to see how exactly the sprays kill pests.

  34. By Addy G on Apr 5, 2010

    Heeeelp! I feel like I could be in the next science fiction movie. The stink bugs are all over my house.(Herndon, VA)Actually they are in my kitchen where I have three skylights. They are all over my screen porch and a few I’ve seen in our bedroom. My neighbors probably think I have something going on with my exterminator. Would definitely be willing to be a tester of your product.

  35. By Frank on Apr 5, 2010

    Anyone have any luck with this ecosmart stuff? Over the past few years Ive been seeing these around the house. With 2 dogs, a 2 year old and a 9 month old running around I need something safe. I read the chemicals pest control people use to kill these includes a known cancer causing agent. I don’t need that in my house but I need to get rid of these.

  36. By Kris on Apr 6, 2010

    Our house has been overrun with stink bugs…they got noticably worse last fall, hung on through the winter and now are back in full force this spring. We live in Md. They drive myself, my kids and my dog – NUTS. They are more active this spring and really seem to have become a problem. I would love to try your product to get rid of them. The idea that it might be less toxic to my family and pests is wonderful. I am looking for a solution to this annoyin problem and I’m hoping Ecosmart is the solution.

  37. By Pamela on Apr 6, 2010

    I moved into my home in december and only saw a few but now that it is getting so warm…by the time I get home in the evening they are all over my 2 living room windows and my sliding glass door….I have 2 small children that are actually pretty scared of them….I need something safe but effective…will this also help with ladybugs?

  38. By Maureen on Apr 6, 2010

    Sign me up! I want to move. They are in the master bedroom and I kill about 3-4 before I go to sleep and they wake me up in the middle of the night with that awful buzzing. I can’t live like this anymore!

  39. By Renee Hauf-Bennett on Apr 6, 2010

    Stink. Please help prove your products authenticity by being a tester. The bugs and I thank you. I know they don’t like it that I neve3r wecomed them here and they know that I HATE THEM!Stink bugs have infested me for 4 years now. Driving me NutZZZZZ—-buzz buzz buzz, OH no there’s another one, Duck!

  40. By EcoSMART Megan on Apr 7, 2010

    Dear Pamela,

    For lady bugs, I recommend EcoSMART’s Flying Insect Killer.

    Spray it directly on the lady bugs to kill them quickly and safely. Good luck!

  41. By Tony on Apr 7, 2010

    Stink Bugs the worst bug I have ever faced. Cant wait to try your products. Thanks in Advance

  42. By Brandi on Apr 8, 2010

    I am so tired of seeing stinkbugs. They not only bother me my dogs and cats hate them too! I have been searching for a natural way to get rid of these pesty bug I really would love to be a tester of your products. I live in the country and we have several differant pest to get rid of. Thanks.

  43. By Joann on Apr 9, 2010

    Sign me up. They’re all over my house.

  44. By Edith on Apr 10, 2010

    Please – don’t kill ladybugs – they’re harmless! They are actually beneficial, they eat aphids, etc.

    Shield beetles, on the other hand… ugg! They DO bite, they stink, AND they ravage some crops.

    This winter has been particularly bad for a bunch of us in the DC metro area. Our old farm house has been inundated with them. I haven’t slept properly in months — they like to dive-bomb my head as I sleep!

    As a result of the rapid increase in these blasted bugs, I am worried about our tomato crop this spring. We’ve never had to use an insecticide… I don’t want to start!

    I would however love to try your product on our house, to see if I can finally get some sleep! :)

  45. By curtis warren on Apr 12, 2010

    We have a ton of stink bugs and I loath them.

  46. By Nicole on Apr 15, 2010

    We have stink bugs in our house, this is the worst year yet. Nothing seems to work besides squishing them. They’re the worst in our bedroom. After doing some research I think that they may also be the reason my allergies and asthma are worsening by the day. I’m willing to try anything at this point.

  47. By Michelle on Apr 16, 2010

    I just moved into my new vintage duplex and I find about 3 of these in my loft bathroom a week… Please pick me to test your product! I really want to get rid of them with bug spray but I have a dog and spraying anything concerns me. When will we know if we get to do testing?

  48. By Dan Grady on Apr 29, 2010

    Which of your products works against stinkbugs? Is there something in the stores or do you have something new?

  49. By DAVID on May 2, 2010

    My wife has been finding these Stink Bugs in our 3rd floor attic. I killed one on the second floor. One found it’s way down to the first floor. What can we do about this?

  50. By Melanie on May 3, 2010

    We have HUNDREDS of stink bugs in our attic and they are starting to creep into the rest of the house. I hate them and am scared of them and my husband is getting tired of rescuing me from them. I would love to try your products! Thanks!

  51. By EcoSMART Zach on May 19, 2010

    David,

    Try sealing off any open cracks in your house – especially the attic. This will decrease the accessibilty the stink bugs have to your house.

    I also recommend you use EcoSMART’s Home Pest Control to both kill and ward off these bothersome bugs.

  52. By William E. Powell Jr. on May 22, 2010

    We have just moved into a house that has been vacant for a couple of months. This house was a Blessing for my family of eight. Unitl these little brown bugs started coming or should I say invading my family’s peace of mind or should I say my peace. There is not one day that I do not hear screams of my children or wife saying “Daddy there is another bug in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, on the ceiling, crawling on the walls. I have so many smear marks all over the house that I know that if I ever move or leave this house the inside will have to be repainted. I hate them and I am getting tired of rescuing everyone from them. I would love to try your products! Thanks William Powell

  53. By David Bachhuber on May 22, 2010

    we have stink bugs and cannot caulk every crack etc. where do they nest an how do you find their reproductive places? need to treat what areas?

  54. By susan drexler on May 25, 2010

    Please, please, stink bugs are the worst. Next to spiders. They are everywhere, including in my sweeper.

    Anything you can do will be so gratefully appreciated. I have two dogs, one will eat almost anything. I do not use pesticides.

    Hoping to have no more stink bugs.

  55. By susan drexler on May 25, 2010

    Stink bugs are the worst. Next to spiders. They are everywhere. Including my sweeper, bathroom, everywhere.

    I have two dogs, one who will eat anything. I cannot use pesticides.

    Please help.

  56. By Rita Little on Jun 10, 2010

    I have a stink bug problem in my garden! They are ruining my tomatoes!!! I go to pick them and they are already ruined by these pesky creatures. I have read of ways to get rid of them by vacuuming them and using tape but I don’t have time to do that plus they really gross me out. I’ve tried soap and water and it doesn’t work on them either!!! Please help!!

  57. By Colleen Lockard on Jun 20, 2010

    My stink bug problem started last fall when I noticed them in my home. Luckily I did find their entry point (a window that wasn’t tightly sealed). This spring they took up residence in my garage, perched on a west-facing window. I want to test EcoSMART, and if it works, my neighborhood will be thrilled!! I believe stink bugs come back year after year because the smell they leave behind attracts others. It seems like an endless cycle that is sure to drive me crazy!! I hope EcoSMART is the answer!!

  58. By Ken Mahood, PhD on Jun 29, 2010

    I live in a Penthouse in Loudoun County ,Virginia and I am fed up with these stink-bugs. Currently, I purchased a long nosed vacuum specifically for capturing the bugs and then I flush them into eternity. I would much rather try a product such as your “EcoSMART” line—- hopefully you have one which will be effective on these terrible bugs Strangely before two years ago, I never heard of a “stink bug”.
    I would like to be a tester.
    Respectfully, K M

  59. By Gordon on Jul 7, 2010

    Peeeeeeeeeee——–uuuuuuuuuu

  1. 1 Trackback(s)

  2. Oct 16, 2009: How to Squash a Squash Bug

59 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers! (details)