Why Do Stink Bugs Stink?

Learn why stink bugs release a foul odor in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Key Takeaways

  • Stink bugs stink because they release their notorious odor as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened, injured, or crushed, much like a skunk.
  • The stink bug smell comes from a chemical mixture released through a gland in their abdomen and spreads through the air via their exoskeleton.
  • Whatever you do, don’t crush a stink bug! The odor is known to linger for hours.
  • While stink bugs aren’t dangerous to humans, they can become a major nuisance when infestations get out of hand.

Stink bugs weren’t given their name for no reason. For the most part, the stink bug odor is a defense mechanism used to deter predators when they feel injured or in danger. 

You’ll find them in Wisconsin throughout March and October, but especially in September and October. That’s why seasonal pest control is your best option for preventing infestations. 

How Do Stink Bugs Produce Their Odor?

Whenever they feel threatened (or are crushed or injured), stink bugs release a strong, odorous deterrent from a body gland in their abdomen. Much like a skunk’s defense mechanism, stink bugs will only use this function from time to time. 

The scent itself is a mixture of chemicals that is released through the exoskeleton. The odor is spread through the air and has been known to linger for a long time, which is why you should never crush one of these bugs when you see one!

Are Stink Bugs Dangerous?

While they don’t pose any immediate threat to humans, stink bugs can still be dangerous when infestations get out of hand.

The odor they release will not harm anyone and only occasionally causes mild irritation or agitation when the liquid gets on a human. They don’t typically cause structural damage, but they will invade homes and farms in large numbers. 

Actual Stink Bug Risks

They won’t bite or attack you, that doesn’t mean they’re completely harmless. Here’s what you should know about the risks they pose:

  • Mild Irritation: The liquid they release typically won’t harm you, but it can occasionally cause mild skin irritation or agitation if it comes into direct contact with your skin.
  • Large Infestations: Though they don’t cause structural damage, stink bugs tend to invade homes in large numbers, creating a smelly and frustrating situation.
  • Agricultural Damage: Stink bugs are a huge nuisance for farmers and gardeners, as they love to feed on fruits and vegetables

How to Prevent Stink Bugs

In the fall months, as the weather cools down, stink bugs begin to search for warm spots inside buildings to overwinter. In this overwintering phase, they will remain semi-dormant to weather through the cold months. Here’s how to keep them out:

  • Inspect your property. Look for cracks, crevices, and gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation that could serve as entry points.
  • Seal up entry points. Fix any problem areas you find to create a barrier against these smelly invaders.
  • Call in the pros. If you’ve noticed stink bugs inside your home or need help protecting your property, it’s time to call a professional.

Taking Care of Infestations Since 1946

If you need help protecting your home from stink bugs or if you have noticed them inside your home, it’s time to call the professionals at Batzner Pest Control!

We’ll inspect your space, put together a treatment plan, and keep stink bugs out. Get started today by reaching out and scheduling an inspection!

What’s that Smell? It’s the Stink Bug

What brown marmorated stink bugs look like in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Many people in Wisconsin have noticed an uptick in the amount of stink bugs around their homes over the past several years. They have been swarming our properties by the hundreds for years, but it seems that their numbers only continue to grow. So, what exactly are these pests, why is this happening, and what can we do about it? Keep reading for answers informed by the experts at Batzner Pest Control.

What are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs?

Some stink bug varieties are native to the United States, but the brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species from Eastern Asia. It was accidentally introduced to our environment after being brought over by cargo ships. The brown marmorated stink bug was first noticed in Pennsylvania in the 1990s but has since spread to most of the continental United States. Given that it has barely any natural predators here, it is projected to spread across our entire continent soon.

Brown marmorated stink bugs can be told apart from other stink bugs by their brown coloration with scattered markings of white, black, and different shades of brown, as well as their white-striped antennae. They have a shield-shaped body and are usually a little over half an inch long.

Are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Harmful?

Brown marmorated stink bugs are not dangerous to have around, but they’re called stink bugs for a reason. As a method of defense, they release a pungent gas from their scent glands to keep predators away. You can trigger them by trying to grab or crush them.

Stink bugs in your home are probably looking for your produce or your plants. They are a notorious agricultural pest; they feed by extracting nutrients from plants. When one brown marmorated stink bug is nearby, hundreds or even thousands of others could be present as well. This newfound environment free of predators here in the United States allows for rising numbers of stink bugs.

How to Prevent Stink Bugs in Wisconsin

Brown marmorated stink bugs will try to find their way into our homes in Wisconsin this fall. They often sneak in through ventilation systems, gaps by doors and windows, and torn screens. Caulking or sealing potential entry points will help to keep infestations from happening. You can use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of an already existing stink bug problem.

That being said, we know that a few stink bugs in the house can quickly lead to a huge problem. It can be a hassle to get rid of a small infestation, let alone hundreds of stink bugs. If you need help removing brown marmorated stink bugs from your home, the residential pest experts at Batzner Pest Control can remove current infestations and take preventative measures to ensure that they never return. For a free quote, reach out today!