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Stink Bugs in Delaware
Gather on sunny walls in fall and slip in around windows.
| Peak season | Sep – Nov |
|---|---|
| Size | About 5/8 inch |
| Risk | Nuisance — no bites or stings |
| Who treats it | Mosquito & Pest Authority (sponsor) |
How to identify them
Shield-shaped and mottled brown, with light bands on the antennae. They give off a strong odor when disturbed.
Stink Bugs in Delaware
The invasive brown marmorated stink bug spread through the Mid-Atlantic in the 2000s. Every fall they cluster on south- and west-facing walls before moving into attics and wall voids for winter.
When they’re active
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What you can do now
- Vacuum them up; don’t crush them.
- Seal gaps around windows, siding, vents and utility lines before September.
- Repair torn window screens.
When to call a pro
A pro exterior treatment in late summer, before they move in, is the best way to cut down this fall’s invasion.
Stink Bugs: common questions
Why do stink bugs gather on one side of my house?
They are drawn to warm surfaces, so south- and west-facing walls that get sun are common spots in fall. Sealing gaps on those sides before September helps most.
Is it okay to crush a stink bug?
You can, but it will release a strong smell. Vacuuming them up and emptying the vacuum outdoors is usually less unpleasant.
Do stink bugs bite or damage the house?
They do not bite or sting, and they are mostly a nuisance indoors. They can leave an odor when disturbed, and large numbers can be annoying to deal with.
Where in Delaware
Where stink bugs rank on each county’s top-pest list:
- New Castle County Common
- Kent County Common
- Sussex County Not in the county top six
Towns where stink bugs are on the local top-pest list: