Ohio Stink Bug Guide: Protect Your Home & Garden from Invasive Pests

Guide to Stink Bugs In Ohio

Facts About Stink Bugs

There’s an invasion happening today. Originally from Asia, stink bugs are steadily making their way through Pennsylvania and Ohio. While these small insects won’t bite you, they do pose a significant threat to crops and garden plants—and if frightened, they can be quite pungent. These occasional invaders can be frustrating to deal with.

Most stink bugs feed on plants, damaging both ornamental plants and crops we rely on. Some species may also eat other insects like caterpillars or beetles, though this is less common. Rarely, stink bugs may even feed on other stink bugs.

Stink bugs are shield-shaped with white bands on their antennae. They appear brown from above, with a creamy-brown underside. Although bothersome, they do not sting or bite.

Until 2017, stink bugs had no known predators in the U.S. That changed with the discovery of the samurai wasp. Hillary Peterson, a Penn State PhD student and insect expert, explains:

“They lay their eggs inside stink bug eggs. Then, their larvae feed on the contents, emerging instead of stink bugs. So they essentially kill the stink bug before it even hatches.”

Stink bugs originated in Asia, eventually reaching Allentown, PA, and spreading into Ohio. While they do not cause direct harm to humans, they are annoying. When threatened or crushed, they release a foul odor—described as smelling like “stinky feet”—as a defense mechanism.

Other characteristics of stink bugs include:

Piercing and sucking mouthparts

Clear wings that harden at the base of their shield-shaped body

Size range of 0.5–2 inches long

Stink Bug Prevention Tips

Stink bugs search for crops to feed on and lay eggs, which makes outdoor prevention critical. Here are some environmentally sound strategies for keeping them away:

Outdoor Prevention

Check garden leaves for larvae and remove them promptly.

If adults are present, shake plants so bugs fall into a bucket of soapy water—they won’t escape.

Plant sunflowers away from your main garden; stink bugs are highly attracted to them.

Use row covers to prevent insects from landing on crops.

Limit outdoor lighting; stink bugs are drawn to lights.

Consider a fall preventative pest service to reduce indoor infestations.

Indoor Prevention

Seal all cracks and crevices with caulk. Stink bugs can enter through tiny gaps around window air conditioners.

Maintain window, chimney, and AC unit seals.

Replace rotted exterior wood.

Minimize lights left on near windows at night.

If vacuuming stink bugs, immediately dispose of the bag.

Important Note: Avoid using insecticides like sprays or dusts indoors. While this may seem like a quick fix, it can create additional pest issues, such as carpet beetles and mites feeding on the dead insects. The best approach is to capture and flush stink bugs, or vacuum them and discard the bag promptly. Avoid smashing them, as this releases their unpleasant odor.

TermiPest+ Total Home Protection

Epcon Lane offers the TermiPest+ Total Home Protection Program, which provides early detection and prevention against a wide range of pests, including stink bugs. Features include:

Cobweb dusting and removal from basements and exterior areas

HEPA-vac removal of dead insects such as spiders, millipedes, and earwigs

B&G TM1 termite monitoring and bait stations for early termite detection

Exterior insect, termite, and rodent control

RTU mouse stations for interior mouse protection

Convenient service times

Free additional service if pest problems arise between scheduled visits

With TermiPest+, your home and business in Ohio are protected from 50+ pests while remaining safe for your family and the environment. Contact Epcon Lane today to get started!

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