Stink Bugs on the Move: Why This Smelly Pest Invades Homes Every Fall

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Audio By Carbonatix

6:00 AM on Monday, September 8

The Associated Press

FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 8, 2025--

As temperatures begin to drop and leaves start changing, American homeowners face an unwelcome seasonal visitor: the brown marmorated stink bug. These shield-shaped pests are on the move across the country, seeking warm places to overwinter, and that often means invading homes in large numbers.

"Fall is prime time for stink bug invasions," said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the National Pest Management Association ( NPMA ). "This is the season when they sneak indoors for shelter, and our homes seem like a great place to hunker down. What makes them particularly challenging is that they often arrive in large numbers, and true to their name, they release a foul odor when disturbed or crushed."

Homes provide the perfect combination of warmth and protection these pests need to survive the cooler months. They typically enter structures through small cracks and crevices around siding, utility pipes, window and door frames, behind chimneys, underneath wood fascia boards, and around foundation areas.

While stink bugs don’t pose direct health risks to humans, they can quickly become an unpleasant nuisance indoors and a serious threat to gardens and agricultural crops outdoors.

Tips to prevent stink bugs from entering your home include:

Seal openings with caulk
Check screens on windows and doors for holes
Keep exterior lighting to a minimum
Eliminate moisture buildup around the home
Keep branches and shrubbery well-trimmed

Stink bugs can be confused with other occasional invaders, and improper treatment can actually make the problem worse. Preventive measures can go a long way toward reducing the risk of an infestation. However, if you find large numbers of stink bugs in your home, contact a licensed pest control professional for assistance.

For more information about stink bugs and seasonal pest prevention tips, visit PestWorld.org.

About the National Pest Management Association

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 4,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visitPestWorld.orgor follow @PestWorld onFacebook,X,TikTokandYouTubeand @PestWorldOfficial onInstagram.