Stink bugs don’t bite or sting and they don’t do structural damage when they overwinter in your walls. They simply smell bad and can stain fabric and walls when crushed, which is reason enough to want them gone.
The name “stink bugs” certainly doesn’t inspire admiration. You don’t want them in your house. But it is important to know: they’re not dangerous, just incredibly annoying.
Stink bugs won’t bite you. Their mouths are only built to pierce plant tissues. They can destroy your tomatoes, but they won’t break your skin. They also don’t sting or transmit disease. Unlike carpenter ants, mice, and especially termites, they won’t send you to your home insurance company to make a claim. A wall void full of overwintering stink bugs is gross to think about, but that’s about it. If you’re really unlucky, a pet might eat one and get a bitter mouthful and a mild stomachache. But it’s not something they’re likely to do twice.
The worst part about stink bugs is their smell. If crushed or startled, they release that telltale smell often described as “cilantro/burnt rubber.” That smell clings to skin, fabric, and vacuum bags. When crushed, they can stain walls, curtains, and carpets. And if you get lots and lots of them and you’re prone to allergies, they can make them worse. It’s all very annoying, but not dangerous.
To deal with stink bugs, you can insert a stocking into a vacuum and gently vacuum them up. You can also flick them into soapy water. To prevent them from getting in the house in the first place, seal up gaps in September where they can get in like window trim, siding seams, soffits, and vents. You may also want to consider perimeter pest control as well.
If stink bugs are trying to overwinter in your home, Mosquito Squad of Lansing can help. Mosquito Squad's home and yard coverage treats the perimeter where overwintering pests enter. This will help you protect your walls, and your nose, before the fall rush.
