Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Natural Habitat

Originally from Asia, introduced to North America and Europe. Found in agricultural fields, orchards, gardens, and urban/suburban environments. They often seek shelter indoors in homes and structures during colder months.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous herbivore, feeding on a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and field crops by piercing the plant tissue with their mouthparts and sucking out the juices. Preferred hosts include apples, peaches, corn, soybeans, tomatoes, and peppers.

Behavior Patterns

Known for emitting a foul-smelling odor when disturbed, which is a defense mechanism. They are attracted to light and often aggregate on the sunny sides of buildings in the fall before overwintering indoors. They do not bite humans or transmit diseases but can be a nuisance pest.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Major agricultural pest, causing significant damage to a wide range of crops, leading to economic losses for farmers. They are also a nuisance pest when they invade homes in large numbers. Benefits: No significant known benefits; considered an invasive species in many regions.

Identified on: 10/3/2025