We have had a very mild and dry November so far. Have you noticed more stink bugs coming out to bask in the late fall sun?

With many nights recently below freezing, we are seeing fewer insects. But what happens to all of those stink bugs in the winter? 

We consulted an expert, Dr. Susan Jones, an entomologist at Ohio State University.

She answered our questions about stink bugs, especially with what they are up to in the winter.

• Do stink bugs die in the winter?

Dr. Jones: The cold temperatures will kill them unless they find a sheltered place. They are seeking shelter in our homes, but the majority will die indoors before springtime, as it’s too warm and dry indoors.

• Where do they hide in the house?

Dr. Jones: They prefer to hide in attics. But I find them nestled among my houseplants.

• Are they still spreading to other parts of the country?

Dr. Jones: Yes, they are an invasive species.

• How do they get into the house?

Dr. Jones: They crawl through tiny cracks and crevices around windows and doors.

• Are they safe for pets to eat?

Dr. Jones: Pets spit them out as these bugs have scent glands that contain distasteful chemicals. The bugs may taste like they smell, but I’m not going to see if this is true.

Erin Carroll: My dog paws a bug then jumps back each time that the bug releases some of the fluid in its scent gland, but she seems fascinated.

Dr. Jones: By the way, stink bugs are not reproducing indoors.

In the spring, you are just seeing more and more of the bugs as they come out of hiding in response to warm temperatures.

The only ones that you find indoors are winged adults, and they will breed when outdoors in the spring.

The immature bugs (nymphs) are smaller and don’t have fully developed wings.

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