How to Identify and Get Rid of Stink Bugs

As a homeowner in Michigan, encountering stink bugs can be an unpleasant surprise. These invasive pests are not only a nuisance but can also cause significant damage to crops and gardens. Understanding how to identify stink bugs, why they invade homes, and how to effectively manage them is crucial for maintaining a comfortable living environment.

What Is a Stink Bug?

A stink bug is an insect from the family Pentatomidae, known for its distinctive shield-shaped body and the foul odor it emits when threatened. Here’s a broad overview:

• Stink bugs have a distinctive shield-shaped body that is typically broad and flat. Their coloration can vary widely depending on the species but often includes shades of brown, gray, and green.
• They are generally around 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length, though size can vary between species.
• Stink bugs are primarily herbivores, feeding on the sap of plants. They can be agricultural pests, damaging crops and garden plants.
• Stink bugs can be found in various environments, including gardens, agricultural fields, and sometimes inside homes, especially during colder months when they seek shelter.

Life Stages of Stink Bugs

Stink bugs go through three life stages—egg, nymph, and adult.  Understanding the life cycle can help in identifying them at different stages:

1. Eggs: Light green and barrel-shaped, often found in clusters on the underside of leaves.
2. Nymphs: Smaller than adults, stink bug nymphs go through several stages (instars), starting as tiny, black bugs with red eyes and eventually developing the characteristic shape and color of adults.
3. Adults: Fully developed stink bugs have the distinct shield shape and color.

Are Stink Bugs Dangerous?

Stink bugs are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not bite or sting, and they are not known to transmit any diseases. However, they can be a significant nuisance due to their unpleasant odor and the potential damage they can cause to plants and crops.

Why Are They Called Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs are called so because of the distinctive, unpleasant odor they release when threatened or disturbed. This liquid is a defense mechanism designed to repel predators and discourage them from eating or attacking the stink bug. This odor is produced by specialized glands located on their abdomen. 

What Do Stink Bugs Smell Like?

The smell is often described as:

• Pungent: The odor is sharp and noticeable, with a very strong presence.
• Musty: It can have a musty or moldy undertone, somewhat similar to the smell of old, damp fabrics or a decaying organic matter.
• Chemical: Some people compare the smell to a mix of overripe fruit and chemicals, due to the specific compounds produced by the stink bugs' odor glands.

Overall, the smell is deliberately unpleasant as a defense mechanism to deter predators and discourage attacks.

Identifying Stink Bugs in Michigan

Stink bugs are easily recognizable by their distinctive shield-shaped bodies. The most common species in Michigan is the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). It has a mottled brown color with a distinctive shield shape. Adults are about 5/8 inch long and have alternating light and dark bands on the antennae and edges of their abdomen.

BMSBs are known for their tendency to invade homes during the fall to escape the cold. They feed on a wide range of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals, causing significant damage to crops and gardens.

Why Are Stink Bugs in My Michigan Home?

Stink bugs typically seek shelter indoors during the fall to escape the cold Michigan winters. They enter homes through cracks, gaps, and other small openings in search of warmth and protection. Once inside, they become dormant and remain hidden until spring when they attempt to exit and return to the outdoors.

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in Michigan

Prevent Stink Bugs

The first step in getting rid of stink bugs is to prevent more from getting in. Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes, especially around windows, doors, utility pipes, and chimneys. 

• Seal Entry Points: Use caulk, weatherstripping, or other sealants to close these openings and prevent stink bugs from entering your home.
• Repair Screens: Ensure that window and door screens are in good condition and free from tears or holes. Repair or replace damaged screens to keep stink bugs out.
• Install Door Sweeps: Place door sweeps on exterior doors to eliminate gaps that stink bugs could use to enter your home.

Remove Stink Bugs

If stink bugs have already entered your home, follow these steps to remove them:

• Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove stink bugs from your home. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately to prevent the smell from lingering. Dispose of the vacuum contents outside to avoid indoor odor.
• Commercial Traps: Use stink bug traps that are available at hardware stores. Place them in areas where stink bugs are commonly seen, such as near windows and in attics or basements.
• DIY Traps: You can also make DIY traps using a dish of soapy water. Place the dish under a light source to attract stink bugs and drown them.
• Manual Removal: Use a paper towel or tissue to capture and dispose of stink bugs. Avoid crushing them to prevent releasing their odor. If possible, release captured stink bugs outside away from your home.

Natural Stink Bug Remedies

Consider using natural methods to repel stink bugs:

• Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around entry points and potential hiding spots. This natural powder is safe for humans and pets but lethal to stink bugs.
• Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender, can repel stink bugs. Mix 10-15 drops of oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle and apply it to windowsills, doorways, and other entry points.

Professional Stink Bug Control

For severe infestations, consider hiring a professional pest control service in Michigan. Our local exterminators can provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your specific situation and ensure that stink bugs are effectively eliminated from your home.

Keeping Stink Bugs Out of Your Michigan Home

Stink bugs are an unwelcome but common pest in Michigan homes, especially during the colder months. By identifying these pests and taking proactive steps to prevent and remove them, you can maintain a stink-bug-free home. Remember, sealing entry points, using traps, and employing natural remedies can go a long way in managing stink bug infestations. If all else fails, don't hesitate to contact our team at All Seasons Pest Control for professional help to protect your Michigan home from these odorous invaders.