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If you have ever noticed shield-shaped insects clustering around your windows or detected an unpleasant odor when disturbing certain bugs in your home, you’re not alone. We have seen stink bug complaints increase in the last few years, and some research indicates that this trend could continue, with suitable habitat increases as much as 70 percent for the insect.1
Understanding how to get rid of stink bugs is essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment and protecting your property value. At Precision Pest and Wildlife, we have helped countless homeowners tackle these stubborn invaders. This comprehensive guide will help you understand stink bugs, their behavior, and the most effective removal strategies.
What Are Stink Bugs?
When people mention“stink bugs” in South Carolina, they are probably referring to the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), an invasive insect that originated in East Asia but has established a significant presence in the Upstate and across the United States.2 These pests earned their name from the foul-smelling odor they release when threatened or crushed. This defensive mechanism is intended for predators, but it makes them particularly unpleasant houseguests and can complicate removal efforts.
Stink bugs are approximately three-quarters of an inch long with a distinctive shield shape and mottled brown coloring. During warmer months, they feed on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants in gardens and agricultural settings. However, as temperatures drop in fall, stink bugs seek shelter indoors, often invading homes in large numbers.
Do Stink Bugs Bite?
Fortunately, stink bugs are not aggressive toward humans and do not bite or sting people.3 Unlike bed bugs or mosquitoes, they lack the mouthparts necessary to pierce human skin. There is no such thing as a biting stink bug that poses a threat to your family or pets.
However, some confusion exists because people sometimes mistake other insects for stink bugs. If you have experienced what you believe are sting bug bites, you are likely dealing with a different pest entirely.
Key Facts About Stink Bugs and Human Safety:
- Stink bugs cannot bite humans due to their plant-specialized mouthparts.
- They do not sting or inject venom.
- They pose no direct physical threat to people or pets.
- Their primary defense is releasing an unpleasant odor.
- Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from direct contact with their secretions.
- Allergic reactions are rare but possible in sensitive individuals.
While they will not bite, stink bugs can still cause problems. Their odor can be overwhelming, especially when multiple insects are present, creating an unpleasant living environment that affects your home’s comfort and air quality.
Identifying Stink Bug Eggs and Early Infestations
Prevention and early detection are crucial when managing stink bug populations. Understanding what to look for can help you address problems before they escalate.
Stink bug eggs are laid in clusters, typically on the undersides of leaves during the growing season. These eggs are light green or white, barrel-shaped, and arranged in neat rows of 20 to 30 eggs. Each female can produce several hundred eggs during a laying season—from May through August—which explains why populations can explode rapidly.4
Signs of a Stink Bug Problem:
- Clustering of stink bugs on sun-facing exterior walls during fall
- Dead or live stink bugs near windows and light sources
- Unpleasant odor in rooms where insects are present
- Stink bug eggs on outdoor plants and vegetation
- Increased insect activity on warm winter days
- Brown staining on walls or curtains from their secretions
- Multiple insects appearing suddenly after months of inactivity
Indoors, you are more likely to encounter adult stink bugs rather than eggs, as they typically do not reproduce inside homes. However, if you notice these pests clustering around your property’s exterior during late summer and early fall, it is a warning sign that they will soon attempt to overwinter inside your home.
Effective Methods to Trap Stink Bugs
When dealing with an active infestation, knowing how to trap stink bugs can provide immediate relief while you implement longer-term solutions.
DIY Stink Bug Traps
A simple homemade stink bug trap can be created using a foil roasting pan filled with water and a few drops of dish soap, placed beneath a desk lamp. Stink bugs are attracted to light, and when they fly toward it, they will fall into the soapy water and drown. The soap breaks the water’s surface tension, preventing them from escaping.
Another effective approach involves creating a bottle trap by cutting a two-liter soda bottle in half, inverting the top portion into the bottom, and adding a light source inside. This funnel design makes it easy for stink bugs to enter but difficult to escape.
Commercial Traps
Several commercial products are specifically designed to trap stink bugs. These typically use pheromone attractants or UV light to lure insects into a collection chamber.
Benefits of commercial stink but traps include:
- Professional-grade pheromone lures that attract multiple insects
- UV light technology that draws stink bugs from wider areas
- Sealed collection chambers that contain odors
- Longer-lasting effectiveness compared to DIY solutions
- Easy disposal without releasing smells into your home
While these can be effective for monitoring and reducing populations, they work best as part of a comprehensive management strategy rather than as a standalone solution. Also, remember that crushing stink bugs releases their namesake odor and can actually attract more insects. Always opt for containment and removal methods that keep the insects intact.
Stink Bug Prevention
There are several things you can do to dissuade sting bugs from entering your home. These include:
- Seal entry points: Address areas where pipes, wires, and cables enter you home, as well as gaps around window frames, siding, and vents.
- Reduce outdoor attractions: Remove weeds and excess vegetation near your home’s foundation, and eliminate standing water sources near the structure.
- Schedule routine pest control: One of the best ways to ensure stink bugs stay away is to schedule professional maintenance—technicians can spot early warning signs before things get out of control.
Why Professional Pest Control Makes a Difference
While DIY methods can address minor stink bug problems, significant infestations often require professional expertise. This is where Greenville SC pest control services become invaluable.
Advantages of Professional Pest Control:
- Thorough Inspections: An experienced exterminator can identify all entry points and conducive conditions that DIY efforts might miss.
- Preventive Strategies: Beyond addressing current infestations, pest control experts can implement preventive measures to protect your home long-term.
- Expert Knowledge: Professionals understand stink bug behavior and biology.
- Targeted Treatments: The best pest control companies Greenville SC has to offer will have access to professional-grade products and application methods not available to homeowners.
- Integrated Pest Management: Professional pest control services will employ comprehensive IPM strategies that combine multiple techniques for maximum effectiveness.
- Time Savings: Dealing with stink bugs can be frustrating and time-consuming; professional service eliminates this hassle.
- Guaranteed Results: Reputable companies offering pest control in Greenville SC will stand behind their work.
- Safe Application: Proper use of control products protects your family and pets.
- Long-term Cost Savings: Preventing structural damage and recurring infestations.
When to Call Precision Pest and Wildlife
If you are experiencing any of these situations, it is time to contact the pros.
Warning Signs You Need Professional Help:
- Stink bugs are entering your home in large numbers (10+ per day)
- You have tried DIY methods for 2 to 3 weeks without success
- You are finding stink bugs in multiple rooms or on different floors
- The odor is affecting your quality of life
- You want to prevent future infestations before they start
- You are concerned about properly sealing your home’s exterior
- You have discovered stink bug eggs on your property
- Insects are emerging from wall voids or ceiling fixtures
- You are preparing to sell your home and need documentation
Take Action Today
Don’t let stink bugs take over your home. Whether you are dealing with an active infestation or want to implement preventive measures, Precision is here to help. Our team understands the unique challenges that stink bug infestations present to Greenville homeowners. We provide customized solutions tailored to your property’s specific needs, ensuring effective results and long-lasting protection.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and discover why homeowners throughout the area trust us as one of the best pest control companies Greenville SC has to offer. With our expertise and your vigilance, you can enjoy a stink bug-free home all year long.
References
- “Invasive stink bug habitat could expand greatly with climate change,” Science Daily, Washington State University, September 2022, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220926090151.htm.
- “Brown Marmorated Stink Bug In Structures,” Home & Garden Information Center, College of Agriculture, Clemson University, May 2014, https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/brown-marmorated-stink-bug-in-structures/.
- “Stink Bugs,” Pest World for Kids.org, retrieved on October 28, 2025, from: https://www.pestworldforkids.org/pest-guide/stink-bugs/.
- Joan Allen, “Brown Marmorated Stink Bug,” Home and Garden Education Center, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, January 2016, https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/brown-marmorated-stink-bug/.
