No, stink bugs do not bite humans or pets. They lack the mouthparts necessary to bite skin, as their mouth structure is designed for piercing plant tissues and sucking out juices. Rather than biting when threatened, stink bugs rely on their primary defense mechanism—releasing a foul-smelling liquid from special glands. While they may land on people incidentally, they pose no biting threat and are generally considered a nuisance pest rather than a health hazard.

The unpleasant odor released by stink bugs typically lingers for 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the ventilation in the area. In enclosed spaces with poor air circulation, the smell may persist longer. The odorous compounds are volatile chemicals that gradually dissipate into the air. To accelerate the process, increase ventilation by opening windows or using fans. Cleaning affected surfaces with soap and water can help remove residual chemicals. The intensity of the odor depends on how many bugs were disturbed and whether they were crushed, which releases more defensive chemicals.

Stink bugs are attracted to your home by several factors: warmth (particularly in fall, they seek warm surfaces and sheltered areas to overwinter), light (exterior lights and even interior lighting visible through windows), food sources (gardens, fruit trees, and ornamental plants around your property), shelter (cracks, crevices, and protected areas to hide), chemical signals (once some stink bugs find a good overwintering spot, they release pheromones that attract others), sunny exposures (south and west-facing walls that receive afternoon sun), and previous infestations (areas where stink bugs have successfully overwintered before may retain attractive residual pheromones). Addressing these attractants is key to reducing stink bug problems around your home.

Professional exterminators use several strategies to eliminate stink bugs: applying residual insecticides to the outside of homes, focusing on entry points and areas where stink bugs congregate; identifying and sealing cracks, gaps, and openings that allow stink bugs to enter; using vacuum extraction, light traps, or limited interior treatments for active indoor infestations; scheduling treatments before seasonal invasions begin; setting up ongoing surveillance to detect new activity; using formulations specifically effective against stink bugs; and integrating multiple treatment methods for comprehensive control.

Stink bugs are not significantly harmful to pets, though some precautions are warranted. If a pet consumes stink bugs, they may experience temporary irritation in the mouth or digestive tract, mild vomiting or drooling due to the unpleasant taste and odor, or potential digestive upset if multiple bugs are consumed. The defensive chemicals stink bugs release are not toxic but can cause discomfort. Most pets will avoid stink bugs after an initial encounter due to their bitter taste and odor.