Science & Nature • Insect

Stink Bug

Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects in the family Pentatomidae, known for releasing a strong odour when disturbed or crushed.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects in the family Pentatomidae, known for releasing a strong odour when disturbed or crushed. Many species feed on plants, and some, including the brown marmorated stink bug, are significant agricultural pests. They are generally a nuisance to people rather than a direct health threat.

Description

Stink bugs are shield-shaped true bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Adults are commonly brown or mottled grey-brown, and the family includes both plant-feeding and predatory species.

Odour defence

Their name comes from the strong smell they release as a defence mechanism. The odour is produced by scent glands and is emitted when the insect is threatened, agitated, or crushed.

Habitat and diet

Many stink bugs feed on fruits, seeds, stems, leaves, and other cultivated plants, which makes some species important agricultural pests. They are often found in gardens, orchards, farms, and, seasonally, inside buildings.

Brown marmorated stink bug

The brown marmorated stink bug is the best-known species in North America. It is an invasive pest introduced from Asia that can damage fruit and vegetable crops and invade homes in large numbers.

Key facts

Stink bugs are true bugs in the family Pentatomidae and are usually recognized by their shield-shaped bodies.
They get their common name from foul-smelling fluids or chemicals released when disturbed or crushed.
Most stink bugs are plant feeders, but some species are predatory and feed on other insects.
Brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species from Asia that has spread widely in North America.
Stink bugs are generally not considered dangerous to people, but they can be a nuisance indoors and can damage crops.

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Canadian context

Stink bugs are relevant in Canada because several species occur in North America and the brown marmorated stink bug has spread into parts of Canada, where it can affect gardens, orchards, and field crops.

Frequently asked questions

What are stink bugs?

Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects in the family Pentatomidae. Many species feed on plants, while some eat other insects.

How to get rid of stink bugs?

Keeping them out is usually done by sealing gaps around windows, doors, vents, and siding, and by reducing entry points into buildings. They can be difficult to control once they gather indoors or in large numbers.

Are stink bugs dangerous?

Stink bugs are generally not dangerous to people and are not known to bite or sting humans. Their main impact is nuisance, odour, and crop damage.

What attracts stink bugs?

Stink bugs are attracted to host plants and crops they feed on, and some species move into buildings as outdoor temperatures drop. The brown marmorated stink bug is especially known for invading homes in autumn.

Stink bug smell

The smell comes from defensive chemicals released by scent glands when the insect is disturbed or crushed. The odour is often described as foul or unpleasant, and some sources compare it to cilantro or coriander-like scents.

Stink bug vs brown marmorated

“Stink bug” is the general name for insects in the family Pentatomidae, while the brown marmorated stink bug is one specific species. The brown marmorated species is an invasive agricultural pest from Asia.

References

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources — https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/PESTS/stinkbug.html
Supports: Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects and their common name comes from unpleasant odours they release when disturbed.
National Pest Management Association — https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/stink-bugs-101/
Supports: Brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species; stink bugs release odour when disturbed or crushed; they are not known to bite humans and can be a nuisance.
University of Massachusetts Amherst — https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/sites/ag.umass.edu/files/fact-sheets/pdf/stink_bug_fact_sheet_kassoy_pinero.pdf
Supports: Scent glands are located on the thorax and release a foul smell when the insect is agitated or crushed.
The Ohio State University — https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-90
Supports: Brown marmorated stink bug is an introduced pest from East Asia that feeds on many plants and invades buildings in autumn.
University of Connecticut Extension — https://extension.uconn.edu/publication/stink-bugs/
Supports: Stink bugs are shield-shaped true bugs; some are predatory; brown marmorated stink bug is invasive and can damage fruit crops.