Creepy and Stinky: Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Invading Andover Homes This Fall
If you’ve lived in Andover or North Andover long enough, you’ve probably seen these slow, shield-shaped bugs hanging out on your curtains or window screens come fall. They look harmless—until one flies near your face or you accidentally squash it. Then you’ll learn why we call them “stink bugs.”
After 25 years in the pest control business around here, I can tell you these brown marmorated stink bugs are some of the creepiest (and smelliest) uninvited guests you’ll get this time of year. They don’t bite, and they won’t ruin your furniture, but they will test your patience.
Why Stink Bugs Show Up in the Fall
Every September and October, when the nights get cool, stink bugs start looking for a warm place to ride out the winter. Your house looks perfect to them—quiet, cozy, and full of hiding spots.
They squeeze through:
Gaps around window frames
Attic vents and chimneys
Tiny cracks in siding
Door frames that don’t seal tightly
Once inside, they settle behind walls, in the attic, or even inside light fixtures. You might see a few on sunny days trying to get back out, but most of them stay tucked away until spring.
Why They Smell (and Why Squishing Them Is a Bad Idea)
Their smell isn’t just unpleasant—it’s their defense mechanism. When threatened, stink bugs release a pungent odor that lingers on your hands, walls, or vacuum cleaner if you’re not careful. Think of it like skunk spray on a smaller scale.
The trick is to avoid crushing them. I tell my customers to use a vacuum you don’t mind dedicating to pest cleanup or to gently trap them in a cup and release them outside.
What Makes Them Creepy
It’s not just the smell. There’s something about the way they move—slow, clumsy, but stubborn. They’ll buzz past your head when you least expect it, cling to curtains, and crawl on the walls like they own the place.
A lot of folks call me because they start seeing a few stink bugs in their living room and assume it’s just bad luck. But those few usually mean there are dozens more tucked behind the walls getting comfortable for winter.
What You Can Do to Keep Them Out
Here’s what I tell every homeowner this time of year:
Seal up your home before it gets cold. Check for small cracks around siding, windows, and utility pipes.
Replace torn screens. A single hole can let dozens inside.
Watch exterior lighting. Stink bugs are drawn to bright lights, so keep outdoor lights off when possible.
Don’t use sprays indoors. Most over-the-counter insecticides won’t reach the spots where they’re hiding.
If they’ve already moved in, a professional treatment can stop new ones from coming in and flush out the ones hiding inside.
FAQs
Do stink bugs bite or carry diseases?
No. They’re more of a nuisance than a threat, but they can trigger mild allergies in some people.
Can I prevent them naturally?
Yes, simple exclusion—sealing gaps and keeping windows tight—goes a long way. Some people use essential oils, but those are short-term fixes.
Will they leave in spring?
They will, but not before you see them wandering around again. They become active when the house warms up and try to get back outside.
My Take After 25 Years
Every fall, we get the same calls: “Mike, these weird bugs are all over my house!” You’re not alone. Stink bugs are part of life in Massachusetts now, and they show up like clockwork every year.
But here’s the good news—you don’t have to live with them. A few smart home repairs, some well-timed prevention, and a quick visit from our team can make a big difference.
If you start spotting these creepy little bugs inside your Andover or North Andover home this fall, don’t wait until they’ve settled in for the season.
Call Andover Pest Control today, and we’ll help you seal your home tight and send those stink bugs packing before they stink up your winter.