Due to their unique shield-like shape and unpleasant defense mechanism that earned them their name, many wonder: are stink bugs dangerous? Despite their unsettling appearance and smell, stink bugs are not dangerous to humans or pets. The most common types of stink bugs, the Brown Marmorated stink bug and the Green stink bug, both pose more of a threat to agriculture than humans. If you’re still wondering, are stink bugs poisonous, or if stink bugs bite? Keep reading to learn more.

Green stink bug on a leaf

Learn more about how stink bugs and other overwintering insects are covered with Terminix’s annual pest control plan, PestFree365!

Are stink bugs poisonous?

While the name might be deceiving, stink bugs are not dangerous or poisonous. Stink bugs don’t bite or sting, making them more of a nuisance than a danger. Therefore, both humans and pets are safe from any toxic effects, as stink bugs also do not carry diseases or possess venomous attributes. However, for those with sensitive skin, the fluid they emit can cause mild allergic reactions, but the worst you'll likely experience is the unpleasant odor they release when threatened.

Do stink bugs bite?

Stink bugs are primarily plant feeders and do not typically bite humans. Their mouthparts are designed for sucking juices from plants, not biting. It is highly unlikely for a stink bug to bite a human. In rare instances where they might land on a person, it could be mistaken for a bite attempt, but actual stink bug bites are extremely rare and usually accidental, not aggressive.

What to do if you see a stink bug

If you’re dealing with stink bugs, there are a few things you can do to remove them. Here are a few of the most common methods:

  1. Manual removal: If you see a few stink bugs, you can easily remove them manually. Wear gloves to avoid direct contact and gently pick them up or sweep them into a container to release them outside, far from your home.

  2. Vacuuming: Using a vacuum cleaner is an efficient method for a larger number of stink bugs. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag immediately to prevent the bugs from releasing their odor inside your vacuum or house.

  3. Seal entry points: Prevent stink bugs from entering by sealing cracks and openings around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia or other openings. Use good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk to seal.

If you're facing a persistent infestation that remains despite your efforts, or if there's significant damage to your garden or crops, it's advisable to seek professional help. Contact Terminix to learn more about our stink bug control services or learn about our Terminix PestFree 365 pest control plan to prevent these nuisance pests from entering your home1.

1 Coverage includes: "House" Ants, Bird Mites, Indoor Ticks, Cockroaches, Carpet Beetles, Fabric Moths, Overwintering Insects, Ground Beetles, Centipedes, Crickets, Earwigs, Firebrats, Millipedes, Clover Mites, Pillbugs/Sowbugs, Psocids, Scorpions, Silverfish, Paper Wasps, Springtails, Spiders, Stored Product Beetles, Stored Product Moths, Mice, and Rats.