Brown marmorated stink bug

categories: Fact Sheet Nuisance Pests

revision date: 2025-12-11 12:11

Biology

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is an introduced species that is very mobile and spreading quickly across the United States.

Both nymphs and adults are voracious feeders on a wide variety of plants, including small fruits, tree fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. BMSB can also be a nuisance in and around structures. Large numbers of adults are attracted to the outside of buildings on warm fall days as they search for protected locations to overwinter.

They may emit a foul odor when disturbed or crushed or when they collect in large numbers. Attics are common overwintering sites for large numbers of adults, and they may emerge into the home during warm periods in winter and spring. BMSB does not cause any damage to structures, does not reproduce indoors, and does not bite. However, large numbers can be annoying inside the home.

• For more information, see Pest Watch: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (FS079E).
• Also, see Common Insects and Mites: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug | Hortsense | WSU

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful pest management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Vacuum or sweep up stink bugs, seal inside a bag, and dispose of the bag in the trash. Vacuums may temporarily acquire an odor from the stink bugs, but this will fade over time. Use care when cleaning up insects to avoid crushing them.
• Determine how BMSB is entering the home and, if possible, caulk or seal all points of entry. Make sure window screens and door sweeps are tight-fitting and in good repair. Screen vents to attics and crawl spaces with a mesh size small enough to prevent insect entry.
• Seal up gaps, cracks, and crevices, including those around air conditioners and where pipes or wires enter the building.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• Pesticide applications are not recommended for control of BMSB within the home.
• Do not use “bug bombs” or foggers, as any BMSB killed within wall voids or inaccessible locations will give off an unpleasant smell and may also attract additional nuisance insects such as carpet beetles.