WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR HEALTH?
Brown marmorated stink bugs are not known to transmit disease to people and do not bite people or pets. Indoors, the main problems are nuisance and unpleasant odour. Crop damage is distinct from a risk to human health.
LEARN ABOUT PESTS / GUIDES
BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG
The brown marmorated stink bug is a shield-shaped insect that seeks sheltered places to overwinter in autumn. Indoor sightings usually reflect this seasonal behaviour. Prioritise sealing entry points and removing insects without crushing them.
Last updated: 7 October 2026
SEE SOLUTIONS
Stylised anatomical illustration
01
IDENTIFY THE BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG
- How can you recognise it?
- Brown, shield-shaped body; pale bands on the antennae.
- Where is it found?
- Around doors and windows, in wall voids and sheltered buildings.
- Behaviour
- Seeks winter shelter in autumn; may release an odour when disturbed.
- Type of solution
- A surface application suitable for the target.
Halyomorpha halys is a mottled brown agricultural pest, approximately 1.5 cm long. Pale antenna bands and alternating colours along the body edges aid identification. Similar insects exist, so colour alone cannot confirm the species.
As the weather cools, they can enter through gaps in doors, windows and exterior walls. Individuals sheltering indoors for winter usually do not breed there; large numbers do not necessarily mean indoor reproduction.
Why do they smell when crushed?
They may release a defensive secretion when disturbed. Crushing can increase the smell, so prefer physical removal.
Why are they especially common in autumn?
Cooling weather triggers the search for sheltered winter quarters. Check entry points before the season begins.
02
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT PROBLEMS?
- 01
Reduce gaps around doors and windows; repair insect screens.
- 02
Check pipe openings and exterior wall cracks.
- 03
Remove insects without crushing them. If using a vacuum cleaner, bear in mind that odour may remain in the appliance.
- 04
For repeated heavy entry, assess the building’s entry points and seek expert help if needed.
03
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCT?
- 01
Check the target pest
Check that the label specifically lists brown marmorated stink bugs. A general reference to pests does not establish suitability for this target.
- 02
Check the application area
For this target, choose only surfaces permitted by the label. Do not treat people, animals, food or textiles that directly contact the skin as application areas.
- 03
Read the application instructions
Compare the target-specific application method and any stated duration. Do not transfer instructions between products or assume unverified durations.
- 04
Check the authorisation details
Especially when buying online, check the biocidal authorisation number and date, active ingredient and instructions on the back label.
04
SUITABLE PRODUCTS
Choose a brown marmorated stink bug treatment for the target pest and application area.
Pest-control products from our company’s different brands are listed together by solution type to help you compare options for your needs.
01
SURFACE APPLICATION
Application to authorised surfaces where the target occurs.
Killing
Killing Max Sprey
CONTROL WITH RESIDUAL EFFECT
Apply to surfaces permitted by the label.
EXPLORE PRODUCT BUY05
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do brown marmorated stink bugs breed indoors?
Those entering homes to overwinter generally do not breed indoors. Seeing several individuals does not, by itself, establish indoor reproduction.
Do brown marmorated stink bugs bite people?
They do not bite people or pets. The main indoor problems are nuisance and defensive odour.
Why do stink bugs enter homes?
They seek sheltered winter quarters, particularly in autumn, and can enter through door, window and exterior wall openings.
Which product is suitable for brown marmorated stink bugs?
Killing Max Sprey is shown for this pest. Apply only to permitted surfaces following target-specific label instructions; do not borrow protection times from other pests.