Stink Bugs in Tennessee | Pest ID Guide
Quick Facts About Stink Bugs
The brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive insect that spends the winter inside Tennessee homes. It doesn’t bite, sting, breed indoors, or damage your house, but it can show up by the dozens and release a strong odor when disturbed.- Size: About 5/8 inch
- Color: Mottled brown to gray
- Shape: Shield-shaped, with light bands on the antennae and alternating light and dark bands along the edge of the abdomen
- Smell: Releases an unpleasant odor, often compared to cilantro, when crushed or disturbed
- When they come inside: September and October, as temperatures drop
- Indoors: Hide in walls and attics, then appear on warm winter and spring days
How to Identify Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
The white bands on the antennae and the checkered edge of the abdomen set them apart from native stink bugs.Native Look-Alikes
Native brown stink bugs and green stink bugs rarely invade homes in large numbers. Spined soldier bugs look similar but are beneficial predators, with pointed shoulders. Leaf-footed bugs are longer, with leaf-like flares on their hind legs.
Why Stink Bugs Come Inside
In late summer and fall, stink bugs gather on sunny south- and west-facing walls, then squeeze through gaps around windows, doors, siding, soffits, and utility lines to spend the winter in wall voids and attics. On warm days in winter and early spring, they become active and wander into living areas, often near windows and lights.
Are Stink Bugs Harmful?
Not to people or homes. They don’t bite, sting, spread disease, or breed indoors, and they don’t damage structures. They are a serious agricultural pest outdoors, feeding on fruits and vegetables. Indoors, the problem is the numbers and the smell.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs Indoors
- Don’t crush them: Crushing releases the odor.
- Vacuum them: Use a vacuum you can empty right away, and seal the contents in a bag outside.
- Drop them in soapy water: A container of soapy water works for a few bugs.
- Skip indoor sprays: Killing bugs inside walls can attract carpet beetles that feed on the dead insects.
How to Keep Stink Bugs Out
- Seal gaps before September: Caulk around windows, doors, siding, soffits, and utility penetrations.
- Repair screens: Fix torn window and door screens and attic vent screens.
- Install door sweeps: Close gaps under exterior doors.
- Treat the exterior early: A professional perimeter treatment in late summer or early fall, before they move in, is the most effective step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have stink bugs in my house in winter?
Stink bugs move into walls and attics in fall to spend the winter, then wander into living areas on warm days.
Do stink bugs bite?
No. They don’t bite, sting, or spread disease.
Why do stink bugs smell?
They release a defensive odor when crushed or disturbed. Vacuum them or drop them in soapy water instead of squashing them.
How do I keep stink bugs out of my house?
Seal gaps around windows, doors, siding, and utility lines before September, repair screens, and consider an exterior treatment in early fall.
Do stink bugs lay eggs in my house?
No. They don’t breed indoors; they lay eggs outdoors on plants.
