Species guide
Brown marmorated stink bug
Nuisance, not harmfulHalyomorpha halys
How to recognise it
A shield-shaped bug about 1.7 cm long, mottled brown above. The giveaways are the alternating light-and-dark bands on the last two antenna segments and along the exposed edge of the abdomen.
Is it dangerous?
Harmless to people — it doesn't bite, sting, or damage the house. It just gathers indoors in autumn to overwinter and releases a pungent, cilantro-like smell when crushed or alarmed.
Commonly confused with
- Native stink bugs — lack the banded antennae
- Boxelder bug — black with red lines, not brown
What to do
Vacuum them up rather than squashing (to avoid the smell), and seal gaps around windows, doors and vents to keep them out.
Recorded 164,192 times in the wild worldwide.
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