Stink bugs do not pose a physical threat to people or pets. They do not spread disease or viruses. Stink bugs do not cause damage to buildings or other structures. Stink bugs do damage fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. They can be quite destructive to apple and other types of fruit farms. The damage stink bugs cause is done by their thin piercing mouth part, called a proboscis, which is used to suck the juices from plants and fruits. 

Stink bugs are more of a nuisance to most people. For stink bugs to survive cold fall and winter nights they must find a warm place to overwinter. In early fall you may start seeing just one or two trying to slide inside your door or window. Stink bugs won’t just try to access your home they will gain access to your vehicle if they can find a way in. On sunny fall days you may find hundreds or even thousands of stink bugs gathered on a white or light colored home facing the sun. They will stay in the sunlight enjoying the warmth but in the evening as it starts to cool they will start looking for vent, hole, or opening in your home that will allow the swarm to enter.