Are Stink Bugs Dangerous? What You Need to Know

There are over 200 stink bug species in North America. They belong to the family Pentatomidae in the order Hemiptera, or true bugs. Stink bugs are oval or shield-shaped, have three pairs of legs, and long antennae. Like most true bugs, they have two pairs of wings that overlap when folded, forming an X-shape or triangle. Their color patterns vary depending on the species. Stink bugs are major pests for agriculture and homes, but are they dangerous? Keep reading to find out.

Identification

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is one of the most widespread and troublesome stink bugs in the U.S. This invasive species is native to Asia but has been found in at least 47 states. It is about 0.63 inches long. This stink bug is a mottled brownish-grey color with lighter bands on the antennae and dark brown and white bands around the outer edges.

The green stink bug (Acrosternum hilare) and the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) are both light green, but the green stink bug has yellowish-orange coloring around most of its body and black bands on its antennae. The southern green stink bug has red bands on its antennae. They measure between 0.50 and 0.75 inches. The brown stink bug (Euschistus servus) is a dull brownish-yellow color and measures about 0.50 inches.

Are Stink Bugs Dangerous to Humans and Pets?

Stink bugs are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not sting or bite. However, they can be a danger to many plant and tree species. While other stink bugs are known to cause agricultural problems, brown marmorated stink bugs in particular are voracious eaters and have been reported to feed on over 100 plant species, including fruit trees, ornamental plants, and vegetable crops.

Stink bugs use piercing-sucking mouthparts to puncture fruits and vegetables and inject enzymes to suck out juices, leading to deformed fruit. They also pierce the bark and leaves of young trees, which can damage and weaken trees, especially seedlings. Unfortunately, brown marmorated stink bugs have few natural predators in North America.

Crops and Trees at Highest Risk

According to research funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, some of the crops that are at the highest risk from these stink bugs include apples, Asian pears, green beans, pole beans, snap beans, edamame, eggplant, European pears, grapes, hazelnuts, nectarines, okra, peaches, pepper, sweet corn, Swiss chard, and tomato.

The bee-bee tree, Japanese pagoda tree, Peking tree lilac are also at high risk. Cherry trees, flowering dogwoods, and littleleaf linden trees are at moderate risk. Fruit trees such as peach and cherry are also at further risk due to bark feeding.

Nuisance Bugs

Stink bugs are not just an agricultural risk, they are also a nuisance. Brown marmorated stink bugs enter homes and buildings through windows, cracks, and other openings in late summer and early fall as they search for safe places to overwinter. Fortunately, stink bugs do not cause any structural damage, and adults typically do not reproduce or feed during the winter.

However, once they get inside, they can become pests. They generally seek out narrow spaces to hide indoors, such as around window and door trim, under or behind baseboards, and around lights and ceiling fans. As their name suggests, they emit a foul odor if disturbed or smashed. They also secrete a chemical odor to attract more stink bugs.

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

Experts recommend sealing off entry points with foam sealant, silicone, or silicone-latex caulk so they cannot get inside your home. Weather stripping should be installed around the edges of doorframes. Screens should be repaired or replaced.

One of the cheapest and most effective ways to trap stink bugs inside the home is to use a foil roasting pan filled with water and a few drops of dish soap. Aim a light into the pan, then place the pan in a dark room. When the stink bugs fly to the light, they will fall into the water and drown.