TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - You may smell something "off" in your home during the next few months.
Brown marmorated stink bugs might be the pest causing the stench.
Biologist Peter Coppinger says these foul-smelling intruders made it to the U.S. from East Asia nearly two decades ago.
He says you're seeing more of them because this is the time of year they start to find shelter for winter.
"Marmorated means a brown, mottled appearance," described Coppinger. "if you look at the antennae, there seems to be really clear white bands on it's antennae. also, around the edges of it's abdomen, you'll see white and black marks."
The noxious fluids may smell like something rotten, but fortunately, they're not going to hurt you."
"They're really a nuisance pest mainly just because they stink really bad, and they'll stink up your home," said Coppinger. "They're not known to transmit any major diseases or viruses."
Coppinger says they're often mistaken for the more neutral smelling leaf-footed bug, which won't foul up your air.
Should you find a stink bug you need to dispose of, the answer might be the kitchen sink.
"One common trick - if you have some soapy water, you could just tap them into some soapy water, they'll drown [and it will] help to neutralize that smell," offered Coppinger. "Again your best defense is just don't let them in your house."
Of course, whatever you do...don't step on them!
