How to Deal With Stink Bugs Seeking Shelter in Your Home

The brown marmorated stink bug often seeks out the warmth and shelter of residential properties as cold weather approaches. While these pests do not bite, transmit diseases, or damage household structures, their presence becomes a significant nuisance due to the noxious odor they release when threatened or crushed. According to David Price, an associate certified entomologist and director of technical services at Mosquito Joe, commercial insecticides are largely ineffective because the insects' hard shields protect them against many toxic chemicals, and such treatments fail to prevent new pests from entering.

To manage an infestation, homeowners should focus on physical removal and deterrence, targeting spaces like attics, crawl spaces, and window voids where the insects gather. For equipment, use a standard or wet/dry vacuum with just the hose attachment to avoid crushing the bugs, or secure a knee-high stocking over the hose with a rubber band to trap them. Alternatively, sweep them directly into a bucket of soapy water or spray them with a mixture of water and a few teaspoons of dish soap. Costs remain minimal since household items like dish soap, stockings, and vacuums are typically already on hand.

Before you start: Avoid squashing stink bugs to prevent them from releasing their unpleasant odor, and remember to clean out your vacuum cleaner or dispose of captured bugs outdoors in a tied plastic bag.