If you live in Ontario, Canada, you may have heard about stink bugs or stinkbugs invading homes, gardens, or farms. These smelly bug pests are tricky, and many folks wonder: what are stink bugs, what does the stink bug look like, how to stop stink bugs in house, or how to get rid of stink bugs in Canada. In this guide, Pest Jam will explain in simple words, step by step, what stink bugs are, how they behave in Ontario, and how you can protect your home and garden.
What Are Stink Bugs , Stinkbug Canada?
Stink bugs are insects that belong to a family called Pentatomidae. Some people also call them shield bugs in house or stink beetle because of their shape. The most known one in Ontario is the brown marmorated stink bug (scientific name Halyomorpha halys) which is an invasive species in Ontario.
These bugs are often brown, though other species can be green, orange, or mixed.) They are usually about 14 to 19 mm long, with bodies that look like a shield.stink bug canada
The antennae may have lighter bands, and their edges are a bit rounded.
People often ask, “What is the stink bug?” or “What is stink bugs?” It just means that bug insect that gives off a bad stink beetle smell when disturbed or crushed. That smell is a defense mechanism.
In Ontario, there are many species of stink bugs — in fact, about 50 or more in the Pentatomidae family, and some similar bugs (parent bugs) too. But the one that causes most trouble is the brown marmorated stink bug.
Because they look similar, people sometimes confuse stink bug, stink beetle, shield bug, or shield stink bug. In Ontario you might also hear stink bug Ontario, stink bugs Canada, stinkbugs in house, or stink bug infestation. We will cover how to spot them and control them below.
How Do Stink Bugs Behave & Where They Come From?
Stink bugs are most active in warm months. In summer and fall, they feed on plants, fruits, and vegetables. They use a needle-like mouthpart to pierce plant surfaces and suck juices. Because of this, they can harm fruits, tomatoes, apples, and other garden plants.
In Ontario, they often try to enter homes as temperatures drop — usually in late September to early October. They look for a warm, dry place to hide (overwinter). Many will crawl into cracks, wall gaps, roof edges, vents, or behind siding.
Inside homes, on warm winter days, you may see them walking along walls, around windows, or on ceilings. That is when people say, “Why are stink bugs inside house?”
Another question: Do stink bugs fly? — Yes, adult stink bugs can fly, and you may see them moving toward lighted windows.
Also people ask, “What do stink bugs eat?” — Their diet is mostly plant based fruits, leafy greens, beans, corn, peppers, apples, berries and more.
They reproduce by laying eggs — typically in clusters on plant leaves. The young ones are called nymphs. Over time, nymphs go through stages and become adults.
People also wonder, “What does a stink bug look like?” — Most have a shield shape, flat body, and look somewhat broad.
In Ontario, besides Halyomorpha halys, you may find species such as Euschistus ictericus, a local shield bug.
Thus, stink bugs can appear in houses, yards, fields, or gardens. They are not good visitors, but with care you can reduce them.
How to Spot a Stink Bug Infestation (Stink Bugs Inside House)
Spotting stinkbugs early helps prevent big problems. Here are signs to watch for:
Often, many stink bugs gather on sunlit outer walls in fall. They also cluster near windows, doors, eaves, siding, or around lights.
Inside, you may see live bugs walking slowly, or dead ones behind curtains, near baseboards, or light fixtures. You might seestink bug eggs or nymphs on indoor plants or near window frames.
If you crush one, a foul smell escapes — that is a classic smell of bugs stink or smell of stink bugs. That smell is a defense.
On garden plants, you may notice discolored spots, deformed fruits, or damage like tiny holes or shriveling — that means feeding by stink bug.
Another clue: when many gather inside during winter on bright, warm days, that is a sign of a stink bug infestation or stink bugs inside house.
Some worry: “Are stink bugs dangerous?” Most stink bugs in Ontario are not harmful to humans. They don’t bite, and they don’t carry diseases. The main issue is the smell, annoyance, and damage to plants. However, if you crush one on your skin, in rare cases some people may have slight irritation.
Also, pets might taste the bug and get mild upset, but it is usually temporary.
Thus, if you see them early, take action to stop them from spreading further.
How Pest Jam Can Help You Control Stink Bugs (and You Too)
To deal with stink bugs in Ontario, you don’t need fear. Pest Jam has methods and suggestions to help you manage or remove them. Below are steps you can use yourself, plus when to call for help.
1. Seal Entry Points & Prevent Entry
The first defense is exclusion: stopping stink bugs from getting in. Use caulk or sealant to close cracks around windows, doors, foundation, siding, and vents. Replace or repair torn window screens. As light attracts stink bugs, consider placing outdoor lights away from walls, or use yellow bulbs (less attractive to bugs).
2. Use Soapy Water & Gentle Methods
If you spot stink bugs on walls or plants, spray gently with soapy water (a few drops of dish soap in water). This suffocates the bug without crushing it. You can also carefully vacuum them but use a vacuum with a sealed bag, so the smell doesn’t spread.
3. Remove Attractants
Inside and outside, reduce things that attract stink bugs. Turn off unnecessary lights at night, especially near windows. Trim vegetation close to the house. Keep garden plants clean and avoid overwatering.
If you grow fruits and vegetables near your home, try removing or picking ripe fruit quickly. This lowers their food source.
4. Use Traps or Barrier Methods
Some traps attract stink bugs with lights or heat into a container they can’t escape. These help reduce numbers without harsh chemicals.
You can also use barrier methods like sticky tape or mesh over small openings during vulnerable seasons.
5. Call Professionals (Pest Jam)
If you have many stink bugs inside house or a big stink bug infestation, sometimes DIY isn’t enough. That’s where Pest Jam steps in. Our trained staff can:
- Do a full inspection to find hidden entry points and tell you where bugs are hiding
- Use safe, effective treatments (non-toxic when possible)
- Offer long-term exclusion plans so bugs don’t return
- Monitor your property annually
With Pest Jam, your home or garden can become a place where stink bugs no longer bother you.
Regional Notes Stink Bugs in Ontario & Canada
In Canada, the brown marmorated stink bug has been detected in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, and PEI. Ontario has made public information pages to help people identify and report this pest.
This bug originally came from Asia and became invasive. In Ontario, it causes annoyance in homes and damage in farms.
In Ontario, many species of stink bugs exist — about 50 known Pentatomidae species and a few parent bugs (Acanthosomatidae). Some are harmless or even beneficial, but the brown marmorated one is harmful because it attacks many crops and invades buildings.
When searching, locals often type queries like stink bug insect “stink bug Ontario”, “stink bugs in house Ontario”, “stink bug Canada”, or “brown marmorated stink bugs Ontario”. We included those in this guide so you can see your own words in your search and find this page.
Because Ontario’s climate changes with seasons, stink bugs only invade homes when cold arrives. In deep winter, most are still hidden and not active. In spring they leave to feed again.
If you live in other provinces, similar advice works. But we tailored this for Ontario so you feel the connection.
Pest Jam is ready to help across Ontario, so whether you see a stink bug in house, stinkbugs inside house, or signs of stink bug infestation, you can reach out.
FAQ People Ask These About Stink Bugs
Q: What is the smell of stink bugs?
The smell is a sharp, strong, unpleasant odor released from glands. If you crush or pick them up, they release it.
Q: Do stink bugs bite?
No, they don’t bite people or pets. Their mouthparts are for plants.
Q: How many stink bugs do I have if I see one?
If you see one inside, often there are others hiding nearby, especially in wall voids or attics.
Q: What does the stink bug smell like?
Some say it smells like rotten fruit, or a mix of cilantro and bad cheese.
Q: Can you stomp stink bugs?
It’s not recommended — crushing one spreads the odor. Better to use soapy water or vacuum.
Q: Do stink bugs die in winter?
Many survive hidden places and emerge when it warms up.
Stink bugs are annoying, but not hopeless. When you know what are stink bugs, how they enter homes, what damage they do, and how to block them, you gain control.
If you spot one, don’t panic — act early. Use caulk, seal screens, spray soapy water, and remove attractants. Watch for clustering on walls or windows.
If the problem is large or stubborn, Pest Jam is here to help. We can inspect, treat, and protect your home from stink bugs year after year.
Want help for stink bugs in Ontario? Contact Pest Jam today and let us make your home stink-bug free.
