Summary: Stink bugs don’t bite, but they invade Texas homes each fall to overwinter in walls and attics. This blog explains why they’re such a frustrating fall pest, how to keep them out, and when to call Romney Pest Control for help.
They don’t bite or spread diseases, but brown marmorated stink bugs are frustrating pests you don’t want in your house. Their trademark odor is only released when they’re crushed or threatened, which is frustratingly easy to do once they’re indoors. Let’s learn the main reasons why stink bugs are one of the worst fall pests before we discuss the best ways to keep them out of your Texas home.
Indoors for the Winter
We know we’re only in autumn right now, but winter is right around the corner. That’s why it feels like the pest population is booming right now. Many bugs, spiders, and rodents are desperate to find their winter shelters before the nights get too cold for them to survive. Stink bugs are no different.
In the fall, stink bugs start looking for a warm place to spend the winter. South‑facing walls heat up during the day, and these shield‑shaped insects gather by the dozen to get energy from the warmth. They then slip inside through tiny gaps around siding, soffits, vents, and window frames.
Once indoors, they tuck into wall voids and attics to overwinter, emerging on warm afternoons to buzz around lights and windows. They’re harmless to people, but if they release their strong odor inside, the spray can stain surfaces and create a lingering odor in large quantities.
Why Stink Bugs Surge in the Fall
Now that we know the basic events of this phenomenon, it’s time we turn our attention to the more specific issue at hand. Stink bugs are notorious for invading houses in October and November, but how do they get inside and survive the winter?
There are a few key answers:
- They arrive in groups. Shorter days and cooler temperatures cause massive numbers of stink bugs to seek out warm, sunny walls. These are usually on the south and west sides of homes.
- They squeeze through tiny gaps. Openings the width of a credit card at utility lines, eaves, and window trim are enough for these pests to get inside.
- They hide indoors. Stink bugs hide in tight spaces that get warmed from the sun, including attics, wall voids, and crawl spaces. On really warm days, they gather on windows and screen doors.
- They’re smelly. When these pests are squished or threatened, glands on their abdomen release a strong‑smelling chemical to deter predators. This works on unsuspecting animals trying to eat them, but it’s just annoying for us.
What Attracts Stink Bugs To Your House
Stink bugs aren’t attracted to food or people, so why do they prefer certain houses over others? There are a few factors that make your property appealing to these bugs every year:
- Heat and light: Light-colored houses that get lots of sunlight are more attractive to stink bugs. Boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles are drawn to these houses for the same reasons.
- Easy entry points: Unsealed cracks, torn screens, loose garage door seals, missing door sweeps, and uncovered vents all let stink bugs inside.
- Outdoor food & temporary shelter: Fruit trees, vegetable gardens, weeds, and stacked firewood near the foundation provide cover until the bugs can move inside.
After they get inside, stink bugs seek protected voids under insulation, behind baseboards, around window and door casings, in attics, or beneath siding.
What Not To Do
We’re clearly big fans of lists, so here’s another one! When you’re preventing or eliminating stink bugs, keep these things in mind:
- Don’t crush stink bugs indoors. The smell can linger and stain surfaces, especially if they’re light-colored.
- Don’t use total‑release foggers and random interior sprays. They won’t reach the hidden bugs and can actually drive more of them into your living areas.
- Don’t sweep them into the trash. They’re still alive and they will just stink up your trash can!
The easiest way to eliminate stink bugs is with a vacuum. Once you suck up the bugs, empty the canister into a strong trash bag and dispose of it in your outdoor garbage can. If you’re seeing daily activity or groups clustering on exterior walls, it’s time to bring in a professional.
Our Prevention Checklist For Early Fall
Want to know how to prevent stink bugs from making your home their winter vacation home? Look no further than our checklist! We made stink bug prevention as easy as pie (pumpkin pie!) by listing the most important tasks to complete so you can keep stink bugs out for good.
Our tips are:
- Seal entry points: Caulk gaps around siding, fascia, utility lines, and trim. If any weatherstripping or door sweeps are loose or torn, replace them with new ones.
- Use good screens: Repair or replace torn window/door screens with new mesh. Any vents and openings that are fully open should be fitted with tight screens.
- Swap bulbs: Use warm-toned bulbs in outdoor fixtures. Turn off unneeded lights near doors and windows at night.
- Tidy up the landscaping: Trim back any plants that are touching the house, rake leaves, and mow the lawn while the weather is still warm.
- Receive professional treatments: It’s hard to reach stink bugs once they’re inside the walls, so exclusion work is your best bet. That’s why Romney is here to help!
Have a Fresh Autumn with Romney!
Romney Pest Control’s licensed technicians seal entry points and apply targeted treatments to keep stink bugs out for the long run. We understand the importance of a pest-free home, so we take our time to make sure our treatments will effectively treat and prevent these pests.
Early fall is a great time to safeguard your home against stink bugs (and other invaders), so request a free quote or get started with one of our Home Pest Control Services plans today!
Citations
The Texas stink bug invasion: Everything you need to know. (2024, March 26). Dr. Killigan’s. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from https://drkilligans.com/blogs/pest-control/how-to-get-rid-of-stink-bugs?srsltid=AfmBOoqU3FAzsgfDYQRWVxm2TrhwTrtpMul5WIn1tjZrteyBPEjnm0mf
