Stink Bugs

– Look for shield-shaped brown bugs on walls.
– See them crawl into attic vents and eaves.
– Notice a strong, bad smell if crushed.
– Find them in large clusters by October.

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.

We seal gaps and treat outside walls in fall. We vacuum clusters indoors without crushing them.

– 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 cracks around windows, doors, and soffits now.

– Install door sweeps and repair torn screens.

– Turn off porch lights during fall evenings.

– Check firewood and outdoor gear before bringing inside.

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.

Stink bugs are common in Lexington in fall. They gather on sunny walls and attics.