Are Stink Bugs Harmful and What Eastern Shore Homeowners Can Do This Fall
Stink bugs are not harmful to people or pets, according to Utah State University Extension, which lists the brown marmorated stink bug as not a health threat. Eastern Shore homes see them gather on sunny walls each fall as adults look for a winter shelter. Our overview of common summer pests on Maryland's Eastern Shore says stink bugs follow the same seasonal pattern seen across the broader Maryland region.
What Is Normal and What Is Worth a Phone Call
- Dozens of stink bugs on a sunny wall in the afternoon
- A few bugs found inside the house in fall or winter
- Bugs gathering in sheds, porches, and outbuildings
- An odor if one is crushed
- Large numbers inside living spaces, week after week
- Bugs returning after you have sealed the gaps
- Someone in the household who needs a gentler plan
- A hard-to-reach attic or outbuilding where bugs keep gathering
Myth: Stink Bugs Mean Something Is Wrong With the House
Stink bugs gather on well-kept homes for the same reason they gather on neglected ones, because the walls are warm and there are gaps to shelter in. Older Shore homes and outbuildings with more gaps simply give them more places to go.
A Patient Approach That Works
Seal gaps around windows, doors, siding, and pipes in early fall and repair screens. Vacuum any bugs that come in and discard the bag outdoors, and skip bug bombs. Frontline Pest Control's general pest control plan includes complimentary service calls between scheduled visits, so a return of stink bugs is handled at no extra charge.
Common Questions About Stink Bugs on the Eastern Shore
Are stink bugs harmful to pets or children?
No. Stink bugs do not bite people or pets and are not a health threat. They produce an odor when crushed, so sweeping or vacuuming is better than stepping on them.
How long will they be around?
Adults begin gathering in late September and October, then rest in attics and wall voids through winter. Activity inside tends to taper in spring.
What happens if they come back after treatment?
Frontline Pest Control's general pest control plan includes complimentary service calls between scheduled visits, so returning stink bugs are handled at no extra charge.
Does pest control cover stink bugs?
Frontline Pest Control's seasonal service treats the foundation, eaves, and yard, and a technician can confirm how stink bugs fit your plan at your address. Sealing entry points remains the most effective step.
Not sure whether what you are seeing is normal? Call Frontline Pest Control at 443-884-5577 and we'll help you figure out the right next step.