Stink Bugs in Upstate NY: Why They’re Everywhere in the Fall
If you’ve lived in the Finger Lakes or anywhere in Upstate New York, you’ve probably noticed them—slow-moving, shield-shaped bugs hanging out on your windows, doors, or even inside your home once the weather cools. They’re called brown marmorated stink bugs, and fall is their season.
So why are stink bugs suddenly everywhere in September and October, and more importantly—what can you do about them?
What Exactly Are Stink Bugs?
The brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species that made its way to the U.S. from Asia in the 1990s. They’ve spread quickly across New York State and are now a common fall pest in Yates, Ontario, Monroe, Steuben, and surrounding counties.
They get their name from the unpleasant odor they release when crushed or threatened. While they don’t bite, sting, or cause direct harm to people or pets, they’re a major nuisance—especially when they start clustering inside your home.
Why Do They Appear in the Fall?
Like many pests in the Finger Lakes region, stink bugs respond to seasonal temperature changes.
Warm weather months: They stay outdoors, feeding on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
As temperatures drop: They look for warm, sheltered places to overwinter. Your home—especially around windows, doors, siding, and attics—provides the perfect hideout.
Fall swarm: This is when you’ll notice large numbers gathering on sunny sides of houses, barns, and garages, trying to find their way inside.
Why Are They a Problem?
Even though stink bugs don’t spread disease, there are a few reasons they frustrate homeowners in Upstate NY:
They gather in large numbers. One or two might not be a big deal, but dozens or even hundreds can invade.
They smell. When disturbed, stink bugs release a strong, musty odor that lingers.
They stain. Crushing them can leave behind marks on walls, curtains, and furniture.
They keep coming back. Once they find a good winter shelter, they often return year after year.
How to Keep Stink Bugs Out of Your Home
The best way to deal with stink bugs is prevention before they get inside. Here are a few proven steps:
Seal entry points: Check around windows, doors, vents, and siding for cracks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close gaps.
Repair screens: Make sure window and door screens are intact.
Limit outdoor attraction: Stink bugs are drawn to light—consider turning off unnecessary outdoor lights at night.
Vacuum, don’t squash: If they make it indoors, use a vacuum to remove them instead of crushing (and releasing their odor).
Professional barrier treatments: A pest control professional can apply safe, targeted treatments around your home’s perimeter to stop stink bugs from entering in the first place.
Local Pest Control Help in the Finger Lakes
Stink bugs are a reality of fall in Upstate NY, but they don’t have to take over your home. At Rossi Pest Control, we help homeowners across Yates, Ontario, Wayne, Monroe, Seneca, Schuyler, Steuben, and Chemung counties keep seasonal pests under control.
If you’re noticing stink bugs gathering on your siding, windows, or already finding their way inside, now is the time to act. Preventing them in the fall means fewer problems through the winter.
👉 Call or Text Chris at 315-694-6805 for fast, local service.
