Stink Bugs

- Shield-shaped brown bugs about 1.5–2 cm long clustering on exterior walls and window frames - Distinctive white banding on the antennae - Pungent, lingering odor released when crushed or disturbed - Clusters in attics, crawlspaces, or behind curtains during cool spells

Perimeter seal and exclusion (primary strategy); residual insecticide treatment of exterior walls in fall before entry season; vacuum removal of overwintering clusters inside without crushing. Primary control is exclusion — seal gaps and treat exterior perimeter with a residual insecticide in early fall before entry; indoor invaders are best removed with a vacuum and disposed of immediately outdoors.

• Seal all gaps around windows, doors, soffits, and utility penetrations before September.
• Install tight-fitting door sweeps and replace damaged window screens.
• Use a vacuum to collect interior invaders; empty bag immediately outdoors.
• Turn off exterior lights at night during fall aggregation season to reduce attraction.
• Inspect firewood and outdoor furniture for hitchhiking bugs before bringing inside.
• Seal gaps around windows, doors, soffits, and attic vents before September
• Install tight-fitting door sweeps and repair or replace torn window screens
• Turn off or reduce exterior lights at night during fall aggregation to lower attraction
• Store or inspect firewood and outdoor furniture before bringing it indoors
• Vacuum indoor clusters rather than crushing them and empty the vacuum outdoors

Overwinters in large aggregations inside wall voids, attics, and crawlspaces; invasive agricultural pest feeding on a wide range of fruits and vegetables; enters structures in fall seeking warmth.

Brown marmorated stink bugs gather on Asheville homes each fall, especially on warm, south-facing walls of older brick and stone buildings downtown and on sheltered porches in the river valley.