Stink bugs might not bite or sting, but they’re still one of the most annoying pests we deal with in Middle Tennessee. Known for their foul odor when crushed, these shield-shaped insects often invade homes in large numbers during the fall, then reappear randomly through winter and spring.

The worst part? Once they’re inside, they’re almost impossible to get rid of without professional help.

Active Seasons

Stink bugs are most active in late summer and fall, when they begin looking for warm places to overwinter. Once inside, they remain dormant through winter, then become active again in early spring as they look for a way back outside.

Lifespan

Adult stink bugs live about 6–8 months. While they don’t reproduce indoors, they return to the same areas year after year unless treated properly.

Reproduction Rate

• Outdoors, stink bugs lay up to 30–40 eggs at a time, typically on the underside of leaves

• Eggs hatch in 4–5 days, with nymphs maturing over several weeks

• They do not breed indoors, but their numbers outside can still lead to repeated infestations

How to Identify

• Appearance:

  • Brown, shield-shaped body

  • Roughly ½ to ¾ inch long

  • Long antennae and distinct mottled pattern on the back

• Behavior:

  • Fly slowly and awkwardly

  • Cluster around windows, siding, attics, and light fixtures

  • Release a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed or disturbed

Homeowners often find them sunbathing on the exterior walls in fall and crawling indoors around windows, baseboards, and ceilings in winter.

Health Concerns

• Stink bugs do not bite, sting, or transmit disease

• Their odor can cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals

• Dead stink bugs can attract secondary pests like carpet beetles

Property Concerns

• Stink bugs don’t cause structural damage, but:

  • Leave behind stains and foul odors on walls, drapes, and furniture

  • Clog window tracks and ventilation systems

  • Invade attics, crawlspaces, and wall voids in large numbers

• Once they get inside, they’re difficult to remove without opening walls or accessing hard-to-reach spaces

Why You Need Perimeter Pest

DIY sprays don’t stop stink bugs from entering — and once they’re in, it’s a whole different ballgame. At Perimeter Pest, we use a seasonal prevention strategy to keep stink bugs out before they settle in:

• Exterior barrier treatments
• Safe removal strategies for existing indoor infestations
• Ongoing protection to keep them from returning next year

Don’t let stink bugs take over your home every fall. Call Perimeter Pest — Middle Tennessee’s stink bug specialists — and enjoy a pest-free season.