What You Need To Know About Stink Bugs

If you’ve ever seen a strange-looking brown bug creeping along your windowsill in the fall—or worse, noticed a pungent smell after squashing one—you’ve probably encountered a stink bug. These smelly invaders have become a common nuisance for homeowners across Kentucky, including right here in Lexington. Here's what you need to know about stink bugs and how to keep them out of your home.

What Are Stink Bugs?

The primary offender in our region is the brown marmorated stink bug, an invasive species that has made itself quite at home in Kentucky. Originally from East Asia, these bugs have spread rapidly across the U.S. and are particularly active during the fall as they search for warm places to spend the winter.

They get their name from the strong, unpleasant odor they release when threatened or crushed—a defense mechanism that makes them especially frustrating to deal with indoors.

What Attracts Stink Bugs Into Your Home?

Stink bugs don’t move into your house to feed or breed—they're simply looking for a cozy, quiet place to overwinter. Lexington's seasonal temperature swings make our homes ideal for these pests once autumn sets in.

Stink bugs get into homes through:

• Cracks in siding or foundation
• Gaps around doors and windows
• Vents, chimneys, and utility entry points

Once inside, stink bugs often go unnoticed for months, hiding behind walls, in attics, or around window frames. Come spring, they become active again—often showing up in large numbers as they try to get back outside.

Common Problems Caused by Stink Bugs

While they don’t pose health risks or structural damage like some pests, stink bugs bring a unique set of challenges:

• Foul odor when crushed or disturbed
• Damage to gardens, fruits, and ornamental plants if you have outdoor landscaping
• Hard-to-reach hiding spots, making DIY control difficult

How to Prevent Stink Bugs from Entering Your Home

Stink bugs may be harmless, but that doesn't mean you want them crawling across your walls or windows—especially when they release their unpleasant odor. The good news is that there are several practical steps you can take to keep these pests out of your Lexington home, particularly before they start seeking shelter in the fall.

Seal Up Potential Entry Points

Stink bugs can slip through even the tiniest cracks and gaps around your home’s exterior. A thorough inspection and some quick fixes can go a long way in keeping them out.

• Use caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors, siding, and utility pipes
• Install weather stripping on doors and add door sweeps to close any gaps at the bottom
• Check foundation vents and cover them with mesh screening if needed

Fix Screens and Vents

Screens are your first line of defense against pests. Make sure they’re in good shape before stink bug season begins.

• Repair or replace torn window and door screens
• Install fine mesh screen over attic vents, dryer vents, and soffits
• Add a chimney cap to block access without interfering with ventilation

Reduce Outdoor Attractants

Stink bugs are drawn to warm surfaces and lights. Making a few changes outdoors can help prevent them from gathering around your home.

• Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night, or switch to yellow “bug lights”
• Keep firewood and other debris away from the foundation
• Trim back trees, shrubs, and tall grasses that touch your home’s exterior

Kick Stink Bugs to the Curb in Lexington

Don't wait until your home smells like regret. If stink bugs are making themselves at home, contact our Lexington pest exterminators today. We’ll inspect your home, identify entry points, and put together a custom plan to keep these pests out—so you can breathe easy all year long.