Unwelcome pests spotted across backyards and gardens as population surges
“I thought stink bugs were just a fall thing—now I’m finding them all over my tomatoes,” said Bridgette Moore, a homeowner in South City. “They’re everywhere, and they’re starting to come inside!”
If you’ve noticed small, shield-shaped insects clinging to your siding or flying clumsily around the porch light, you’re not alone. Stink bugs are back—and this summer, they’re not waiting for fall to make their move.
What Are Stink Bugs, Exactly?
Most of the stink bugs St. Louisans encounter are the brown marmorated stink bug—an invasive species known for its mottled brown coloring, broad shoulders, and notorious smell when crushed or threatened. They’re not dangerous, but they are persistent—and plenty annoying.
These pests don’t bite or sting, but they do emit a pungent odor as a defense mechanism, making indoor encounters particularly unpleasant.
Where Did They Come From?
Originally from Asia, brown marmorated stink bugs were first detected in the U.S. in the 1990s. Since then, they’ve spread rapidly across the country. Missouri has become a hotspot in recent years, especially in suburban and agricultural areas like those surrounding St. Louis.
They don’t have many natural predators here, which means their numbers can quickly explode.
What Do They Eat?
Stink bugs feed on over 100 types of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental shrubs. Local gardeners are often the first to sound the alarm.
“They pierce tomatoes, peppers, beans—anything juicy—and suck out the inside,” said a representative from a community garden in University City. “The fruit ends up deformed or rotted.”
Farmers and home gardeners alike can suffer damage to crops and landscapes throughout the growing season.
Why Are We Seeing Them in June?
Though they’re most famous for sneaking into homes during cooler months, stink bugs are very active in the summer. Warm temperatures trigger their breeding cycle. Eggs laid in early June are already hatching into hungry nymphs.
Many St. Louis homeowners are seeing them crawling on siding, basking on sunlit walls, or even slipping indoors through small cracks to find cooler shelter.
“Once they find a comfortable spot, they’re tough to get rid of,” said Rick Isenmann, owner of STL Pest Control.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
Ignoring stink bugs in the summer is a mistake that can lead to bigger problems this fall. A small summer population can become a full-blown infestation later in the year, as bugs start to look for warm places to overwinter—like your attic, basement, or behind your walls.
Early treatment can stop the breeding cycle and dramatically reduce the number you’ll deal with later.
Local Help from STL Pest Control
With over three decades of experience in the St. Louis area, STL Pest Control knows how to tackle stink bugs before they become a season-long headache.
“We don’t just treat where you see them—we find out how they’re getting in, why they’re sticking around, and we cut them off at the source,” said Isenmann.
Their team offers safe, family-friendly treatments, quick response times, and local technicians who understand the unique pest challenges in the region.
📞 If you’re spotting stink bugs around your home or garden, don’t wait—call STL Pest Control today at (314) 833-6222 or visit stlpestcontrol.com to schedule your service and stop the swarm before it spreads.