A mild winter followed by a dry spring has created ideal conditions for early activity, meaning homeowners may start noticing these pests sooner than in a typical year. This combination of weather patterns helps explain why there are so many stink bugs this year in parts of the country and why activity may feel higher than normal.
13 States Expected to See Earlier Stink Bug Activity in 2026
Earlier than normal emergence is expected across the Mid-Atlantic and New England, where seasonal conditions are accelerating stink bug activity. States expected to see early activity include:
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
New York
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Delaware
Maryland
Washington, D.C.
Virginia
In these areas, homeowners may notice stink bugs appearing sooner, especially on warm, sunny days. As temperatures fluctuate, they may also move indoors in search of more stable conditions.
Why Are Stink Bugs a Problem?
Stink bugs are primarily considered a nuisance pest, but they can quickly become overwhelming once they make their way indoors. Their behavior (and their smell) makes them especially frustrating to deal with.
Stink bugs often:
Emit a strong, unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed
Gather in large numbers on walls, windows, and siding
Invade homes in search of shelter
Feed on plants, gardens, and crops
What Are Signs of a Stink Bug Infestation?
Clusters of shield-shaped bugs on windows or siding
Buzzing around lights indoors
A lingering musty odor when bugs are disturbed
Visible entry points around cracks, vents, or gaps
Large numbers of live or dead stink bugs are a strong indicator of an infestation.
Why Are Stink Bugs Entering My Home?
Stink bugs move indoors to escape temperature changes and find sheltered places to overwinter. They typically enter through gaps around windows and doors, cracks in siding or foundations, and openings around utility pipes, vents, and chimneys. They are also attracted to light, which can draw them toward homes.
How Do You Prevent Stink Bugs?
Stink bug prevention starts with making your home less attractive to them and blocking common entry points. A few simple steps can go a long way in keeping these pests outside where they belong:
Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, siding, and utility openings with caulk
Repair or replace damaged screens, weather-stripping, and install door sweeps
Turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting and use yellow bulbs to reduce attraction
Reduce moisture around the home by fixing leaks and clearing clogged drains
Store food properly and keep surfaces clean to eliminate potential food sources
Ventilate basements, attics, and crawl spaces, and install screens over vents
Inspect items like boxes or bags before bringing them indoors
Trim landscaping and store firewood away from the home
Avoid crushing stink bugs, which releases odor
Use a vacuum to remove any bugs that get inside and dispose of the bag promptly
How Do You Get Rid of Stink Bugs?