Each September, many Michigan homeowners see more stink bugs. As nights cool, these insects look for warmth and slip indoors. The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), originating from Asia, has now spread across North America, including Detroit, Lansing, and Kalamazoo.
In the fall, Michigan stink bug infestations can be frustrating. They do not bite or sting, but they can cover attics, windowsills, and other spaces. Their pungent odor gets worse when they are disturbed.
Learn their habits and seal entry points before overwintering starts. If bugs continue to enter your home, Pest Pros of Michigan can treat it and prevent future entry.
Key Takeaways
- Stink bugs in Michigan infestations peak in early fall as BMSBs seek shelter indoors.
- Prevention starts with sealing cracks, using caulk, and installing proper weatherstripping.
- Avoid squashing stink bugs; use soapy water or a vacuum for disposal instead.
- Pest Pros of Michigan offers tailored pest control plans that stop overwintering pests.
Understanding Stink Bug Season in Michigan
Stink bug season peaks in early fall, when BMSBs move from fields and gardens into homes. They feed on crops like soybeans and fruit in summer. When temperatures drop, they look for shelter. Unlike wasps or boxelder bugs, they do not build nests indoors. They cluster in attics, wall voids, and other hidden spots to overwinter.
Michigan State University Extension notes that stink bugs are a recurring problem across the state, especially near farmland. They are easy to spot: shield-shaped bodies and long antennae. They do not lay eggs inside, but small numbers can grow fast by mid-fall as more bugs slip indoors.
Why Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Are a Problem
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is more than a nuisance. As an invasive pest, it harms Michigan crops like apples, peaches, and soybeans. Farmers across North America report significant losses from BMSBs.
For homeowners, the primary concern is overwintering. Once inside, stink bugs hide in wall voids, attics, and basements. When disturbed, they release a smell that can cling to fabrics and furniture. Do not crush them. Remove them gently to avoid odor.
How Stink Bugs Enter a Michigan Home
Stink bugs slip through small gaps. Their flat bodies fit into tiny cracks and crevices. Common entry points include gaps in siding, torn screens, and unsealed areas around windows and doors. Loose weatherstripping and uncaulked trim also let them in.
In Lansing and Detroit, many infestations start near windowsills and then spread. Inside, stink bugs move toward sunny walls, ceilings, or lights. Without good prevention, they will return each year.
Prevention Tips for Early Fall
Start before overwintering begins. The MSU Extension recommends sealing your home in late summer.
- Caulk gaps around window frames, siding joints, and utility lines.
- Replace worn weatherstripping under doors and at garage entries.
- Check attics, vents, and chimneys for cracks; add screens where needed.
- Repair torn window and patio door screens.
To dispose of bugs without leaving behind odor, use soapy water. Fill a container with dish soap and water, then drop the bugs in. You can also vacuum them. Empty the canister or bag right away so the smell does not linger.
Do Stink Bugs Lay Eggs Indoors?
Stink bugs do not lay eggs in homes. They reproduce outside in summer, and females lay eggs on plant leaves. Your home is not a breeding site, but bugs may return each fall if entry points stay open.
Large numbers can be stressful. Because they hide well, stink bugs can be hard to remove without professional help.
When to Call Pest Control
If stink bugs continue to find their way inside despite your best efforts at prevention, professional pest control is the most reliable option. At Pest Pros of Michigan, our team offers targeted stink bug treatments for local homes. We inspect, identify entry points, and apply safe products to stop overwintering.
Stink bugs often arrive with other fall pests like boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles. Our plans cover these, too, and focus on exclusion for year-round protection.
Making the Right Stink Bug Prevention Choice for Your Michigan Home
Stink bug season is part of fall life in Michigan, but you don’t have to put up with an infestation. Sealing cracks, applying caulk, and using soapy water can help, but long-term solutions often require professional pest control.
Pest Pros of Michigan helps homeowners in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and beyond keep stink bugs out for good.
Contact us today to protect your living space this fall with proven prevention and pest management strategies.
FAQs
Why do stink bugs smell so bad when disturbed?
Stink bugs release a foul odor from glands near their abdomen when threatened. The smell helps protect them from predators, but it also makes them unpleasant to squish indoors.
Can stink bugs cause structural damage to my home?
No, stink bugs don’t chew wood or damage structures. Their primary impact on homeowners is nuisance infestations and odor issues that occur when large numbers gather indoors.
What should I do if I already have stink bugs inside?
Use a vacuum or trap them in soapy water instead of squishing them. If you’re seeing large numbers, contact Pest Pros of Michigan for a full inspection and exclusion service.
