FAIRFAX, VA (September 8, 2025) – As temperatures begin to drop and leaves start changing, American homeowners face an unwelcome seasonal visitor: the brown marmorated stink bug. These shield-shaped pests are on the move across the country, seeking warm places to overwinter, and that often means invading homes in large numbers.
“Fall is prime time for stink bug invasions,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “This is the season when they sneak indoors for shelter, and our homes seem like a great place to hunker down. What makes them particularly challenging is that they often arrive in large numbers, and true to their name, they release a foul odor when disturbed or crushed.”
Homes provide the perfect combination of warmth and protection these pests need to survive the cooler months. They typically enter structures through small cracks and crevices around siding, utility pipes, window and door frames, behind chimneys, underneath wood fascia boards, and around foundation areas.
While stink bugs don’t pose direct health risks to humans, they can quickly become an unpleasant nuisance indoors and a serious threat to gardens and agricultural crops outdoors.
Tips to prevent stink bugs from entering your home include:
– Seal openings with caulk
– Check screens on windows and doors for holes
– Keep exterior lighting to a minimum
– Eliminate moisture buildup around the home
– Keep branches and shrubbery well-trimmed
Stink bugs can be confused with other occasional invaders, and improper treatment can actually make the problem worse. Preventive measures can go a long way toward reducing the risk of an infestation. However, if you find large numbers of stink bugs in your home, contact a licensed pest control professional for assistance.
