What are stink bugs, and why are they a problem in Maryland?

Stink bugs, most commonly the brown marmorated stink bug, are invasive insects that become a major nuisance in Maryland, especially during the fall and winter months. They enter homes and businesses seeking warmth and shelter and often gather in large numbers. While they do not bite or spread disease, stink bugs release a strong, unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed, making them disruptive and difficult to manage without professional pest control.

How can I prevent stink bugs from entering my home?

Preventing stink bugs starts with sealing entry points such as cracks around windows, doors, siding, vents, and utility openings. Installing door sweeps, repairing screens, and using weather stripping can significantly reduce access. Reducing outdoor lighting that attracts insects and keeping vegetation trimmed away from the home also helps. Professional exclusion services and exterior barrier treatments provide the most effective long-term prevention.

Can I remove stink bugs myself?

Small numbers of stink bugs can be removed using gentle methods such as capturing them in a container or vacuuming with a bagged vacuum. Crushing stink bugs is not recommended because it releases a strong odor. While DIY removal may reduce visible insects, it does not prevent new stink bugs from entering. Recurring or large infestations typically require professional inspection and preventative treatments.

Do stink bugs cause damage to my home or health?

Stink bugs do not cause structural damage to homes and are not known to pose health risks to humans or pets. However, they can become a significant nuisance when present in large numbers. Their odor can linger on surfaces when they are disturbed, and their presence can be disruptive. Outdoors, stink bugs can damage plants and crops, making prevention around the home important.

What does professional stink bug treatment involve?

Professional stink bug treatment begins with a thorough inspection to identify entry points and areas of activity. Treatment may include exterior barrier applications, targeted treatments, and exclusion services to seal access points. The goal is to prevent stink bugs from entering the structure rather than relying solely on interior treatments. Ongoing monitoring may be recommended during peak seasons.

Is the treatment safe for my family and pets?

Yes, professional stink bug treatments are designed with safety in mind. Licensed technicians use EPA-approved products and apply them according to strict guidelines to minimize exposure. Many prevention strategies also involve physical exclusion and structural improvements. Treatment plans can be customized for households with children, pets, or specific health concerns.

Stink Bug Exterminator & Control in Hagerstown, Maryland

Protect Your Home from Stink Bugs with A&S Pest Control

Stink bugs are more than just a minor annoyance—they are a persistent, seasonal pest problem that can quickly overwhelm homes and businesses if left unaddressed. Most commonly, property owners encounter the brown marmorated stink bug, an invasive species known for its shield-shaped body, strong odor, and tendency to gather in large numbers. These pests are especially problematic in late summer and fall, when they begin searching for warm, protected spaces to overwinter. Once inside, stink bugs can be extremely difficult to eliminate without professional help.

Unlike pests that reproduce indoors, stink bugs invade structures from the outside, entering through tiny cracks, gaps, and openings that often go unnoticed. Homeowners frequently find them clustering around windows, doors, siding, attic spaces, light fixtures, and wall voids. When disturbed or crushed, stink bugs emit a foul, lingering odor that makes vacuuming or swatting an unpleasant and ineffective solution. Even worse, improper removal can attract additional stink bugs to the area.

Why Stink Bugs Are So Hard to Control

Stink bugs are not easily controlled with store-bought sprays or DIY treatments. While these methods may kill individual insects on contact, they do nothing to address the root cause of the infestation—how stink bugs are entering your home and why they continue to return year after year. Because stink bugs do not nest or breed indoors, interior treatments alone are rarely successful and often lead to repeated sightings.

These pests are highly mobile and can enter structures through gaps as small as a credit card’s thickness. Common entry points include:

Gaps around windows and door frames
Cracks in siding, brick, or foundation materials
Attic vents, soffits, and roofline openings
Utility penetrations, pipes, and cable lines
Unsealed crawlspaces and garages

Once inside, stink bugs seek out warm, undisturbed areas to hide, making them difficult to locate and remove. Without professional exclusion and exterior barrier treatments, infestations tend to worsen as seasonal temperatures drop.

Seasonal Stink Bug Infestations in Homes & Businesses

Stink bug activity is highly seasonal, with infestations peaking in the fall and early winter months. As outdoor temperatures cool, stink bugs migrate toward buildings that retain heat, often congregating on sunny exterior walls before finding their way indoors. This is why many homeowners suddenly notice dozens—or even hundreds—of stink bugs appearing seemingly overnight.

Commercial properties are also at risk. Office buildings, warehouses, retail spaces, and apartment complexes can experience widespread infestations due to their size and multiple entry points. Without a proactive stink bug prevention plan, these pests can disrupt daily operations, create unpleasant odors, and leave a negative impression on customers or tenants.

Our Approach to Stink Bug Extermination & Prevention

At A&S Pest Control, we specialize in long-term stink bug control, not temporary fixes. Our approach focuses on stopping infestations at the source by combining expert inspection, targeted exterior treatments, and preventative exclusion services. Every stink bug problem is different, which is why we tailor our solutions to the unique structure and conditions of your property.

Our stink bug services are designed to:

Reduce active stink bug populations
Prevent stink bugs from entering your home or business
Identify and seal common entry points
Minimize odors and indoor sightings
Provide long-term protection during peak seasons

By focusing on the exterior of your property, we create a protective barrier that deters stink bugs before they gain access, dramatically reducing the likelihood of recurring infestations.

Why Professional Stink Bug Control Matters

Attempting to manage stink bugs without professional assistance often leads to frustration, wasted time, and repeated infestations. Professional stink bug extermination ensures that treatments are applied safely, effectively, and in the right locations for maximum impact. Our technicians understand stink bug behavior, seasonal patterns, and the best methods for keeping them out—saving you from ongoing pest problems and unpleasant odors.

Whether you’re dealing with a current stink bug invasion or want to prevent one before the season begins, A&S Pest Control provides reliable, proven solutions that protect your property and restore your peace of mind.

Our Stink Bug Control Services Include:

Effective stink bug control requires more than a single treatment. At A&S Pest Control, we provide a complete, multi-step approach designed to eliminate active infestations, prevent future invasions, and protect your property throughout the year. Our comprehensive stink bug services are customized to your home or business and focused on long-term results.

Free Stink Bug Inspections

We begin every service with a free, detailed stink bug inspection to evaluate your property and identify the source of the problem. Our technicians carefully examine exterior walls, windows, doors, attic spaces, vents, siding, and foundation areas to locate current stink bug activity and potential entry points. By understanding how and where stink bugs are accessing your property, we can develop a targeted treatment plan that addresses both visible infestations and hidden vulnerabilities.

Barrier Treatments

Our professional stink bug barrier treatments are applied to the exterior of your home or business to stop infestations before they start. Using eco-friendly, professionally approved products, we create a protective barrier around key entry areas such as doors, windows, eaves, and siding. These treatments are designed to repel and eliminate stink bugs as they attempt to enter, significantly reducing indoor activity while remaining safe for families, pets, and the surrounding environment.

Exclusion Services

To provide lasting protection, we offer expert exclusion services that focus on sealing the openings stink bugs use to get inside. Our technicians identify and close gaps, cracks, and structural openings around doors, windows, utility lines, vents, and crawlspaces. By eliminating access routes, exclusion work prevents stink bugs from returning season after season and enhances the overall energy efficiency and integrity of your property.

Ongoing Monitoring & Preventative Maintenance

Stink bug activity can change with the seasons, which is why we offer ongoing monitoring and preventative maintenance services. Regular follow-ups allow us to track pest activity, reinforce barrier treatments as needed, and address any new entry points before they become a problem. This proactive approach ensures your home or business remains protected and stink bug-free year-round, even during peak infestation periods.

Why Choose A&S Pest Control?

When it comes to effective stink bug control, choosing an experienced and reliable pest control provider is essential. At A&S Pest Control, we don’t just treat the symptoms of a stink bug problem—we address the underlying causes to deliver long-term protection for your home or business. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, safety, and proven results, we are a trusted choice for professional stink bug extermination services.

Expert Technicians

Our team of licensed and highly trained pest control technicians has extensive experience identifying and eliminating stink bug infestations. We understand the behavior and seasonal patterns of the brown marmorated stink bug, including where they hide, how they enter structures, and why infestations recur. This expertise allows us to create targeted treatment plans that are far more effective than generic or DIY solutions. Each service is tailored to your property, ensuring precise treatments and dependable results.

Same-Day Service

Stink bug infestations can escalate quickly, especially during peak fall and winter seasons. That’s why we offer same-day service whenever possible, often responding within hours of your call. Our prompt response helps minimize indoor activity, reduce unpleasant odors, and prevent stink bugs from spreading further throughout your home or business. We understand the urgency of pest problems and work efficiently to restore comfort and peace of mind.

Preventative Measures

Successful stink bug control goes beyond eliminating visible pests. Our services include comprehensive preventative measures designed to stop stink bugs before they get inside. We apply professional-grade exterior barrier treatmentsand perform detailed exclusion work, sealing common entry points such as cracks, gaps, vents, and door frames. These proactive strategies significantly reduce the risk of future infestations and provide long-term protection during peak stink bug seasons.

Family-Owned Business with Proven Experience

As a family-owned pest control company with over 20 years of experience, A&S Pest Control takes pride in delivering personalized service and dependable results. We treat every customer like family and prioritize safety for your household, pets, and property. Our long-standing reputation is built on honesty, reliability, and consistent customer satisfaction, making us a trusted partner for ongoing pest control needs.

Our Stink Bug Control Process

Getting rid of stink bugs doesn’t have to be complicated. At A&S Pest Control, we follow a proven, step-by-step process that makes professional stink bug extermination simple, effective, and stress-free. From your first call to ongoing prevention, our team is committed to clear communication, reliable service, and long-lasting results.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Free Inspection

The first step toward a stink bug-free home or business is reaching out to our team. Call 240-500-5085 or email sales@AandSPests.com to schedule your free stink bug inspection. Our friendly staff will answer your questions, gather basic information about your property, and arrange a convenient appointment time. We understand that pest issues can feel urgent, so we work quickly to get you on the schedule as soon as possible.

Thorough On-Site Inspection

Once your appointment is set, our experienced technicians will visit your property to perform a comprehensive inspection. We assess both the interior and exterior of your home or business, looking for active stink bug activity, entry points, harborage areas, and conditions that may attract pests. This detailed evaluation allows us to understand the full scope of the infestation and identify the factors contributing to recurring stink bug problems.

Customized Treatment Plan

After the inspection, we develop a customized stink bug treatment plan tailored specifically to your property’s needs. Our recommendations are based on the severity of the infestation, structural vulnerabilities, seasonal activity, and your long-term prevention goals. We take the time to explain our findings, outline the recommended services, and answer any questions so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Professional Treatment & Preventative Implementation

Once the plan is approved, our team will carry out the necessary treatments using proven, professional-grade methods. This may include exterior barrier treatments, targeted applications, and exclusion services designed to prevent stink bugs from entering your property. We focus on effective, eco-conscious solutions that prioritize the safety of your family, pets, and environment while delivering dependable, long-term protection.

Customer Testimonials

“A&S Pest Control provided excellent service from start to finish. Their team was prompt, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. They explained the stink bug issue clearly and took care of the problem quickly and effectively.”
— John D., Hagerstown, MD

“We haven’t seen a single stink bug since A&S treated our home. The technicians were courteous, thorough, and took the time to answer all of our questions. I highly recommend their stink bug control services.”
— Sarah L., Frederick, MD

“After dealing with recurring stink bugs every fall, we finally called A&S Pest Control. Their inspection was very detailed, and the barrier treatment made a huge difference. This is the first season we haven’t had an infestation.”
— Michael R., Germantown, MD

“The team at A&S Pest Control was incredibly responsive and even offered same-day service. They sealed entry points around our home and explained how to prevent stink bugs in the future. Excellent experience overall.”
— Emily T., Gaithersburg, MD

“We tried DIY solutions for years with no success. A&S Pest Control solved our stink bug problem with one professional visit and preventative treatments. Their experience really shows.”
— David P., Hagerstown, MD

“As a business owner, pest issues are not something I can afford to ignore. A&S Pest Control handled our stink bug issue quickly and discreetly, and we haven’t had any problems since.”
— Lisa M., Frederick, MD

🪲 Frequently Asked Questions - Stink Bug Control Services in Hagerstown

Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects, most notably the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), that have become a widespread nuisance pest in Maryland and much of the Mid-Atlantic. These insects are attracted to warmth and light, which leads them to congregate on the sunny sides of buildings and eventually seek shelter indoors as temperatures cool in the fall and winter months. Once inside, stink bugs don’t reproduce or nest like some pests, but they can gather in large numbers in attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, and around windows and doors. Their presence becomes a problem because they release a strong, unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed, which can linger on walls, fabrics, and other surfaces. While they do not bite or pose direct health risks to humans or pets, their sheer numbers and odor can disrupt comfort and quality of life, prompting many homeowners to seek professional stink bug control solutions.
Preventing stink bugs from entering your home begins with reducing the gaps and access points through which they typically crawl or fly. Effective prevention involves sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, the foundation, and utility openings with high-quality caulking or weather-resistant sealants. Installing or repairing door sweeps, ensuring screens on windows and attic vents fit tightly, and using weather stripping are proven ways to physically block entry points. In addition, because stink bugs are attracted to bright outdoor lights, turning off or replacing standard outdoor bulbs with yellow or sodium vapor lighting can make your property less appealing to them at night. Landscaping practices such as trimming vegetation and removing piles of debris or firewood near exterior walls can also reduce hiding spots that bring pests close to your structure. When preventative steps are combined with professional exterior barrier treatments and exclusion services, the overall likelihood of stink bug entry and indoor sightings is significantly reduced.
Yes — for small numbers of stink bugs, you may remove them manually using careful methods that limit odor release. Capturing individual stink bugs with a container or a tissue and releasing them outdoors (rather than crushing them) helps avoid their defensive smell. Another common DIY method involves vacuuming stink bugs with a vacuum equipped with a bag attachment — then promptly sealing and disposing of the bag outside to prevent lingering odor indoors. Many homeowners also use sticky traps placed near suspected points of entry. While these approaches can reduce visible bugs, they do not address the underlying causes of stink bug invasions, such as structural gaps or external harborage areas. For larger infestations or recurring invasions — especially when bugs are entering through multiple structural openings — professional pest control inspections and targeted solutions are recommended to achieve long-term relief.
Stink bugs are generally considered nuisance pests rather than property-damaging or dangerous insects. They do not bite humans, transmit diseases, or infest structures in the way termites or rodents do. However, large numbers of stink bugs inside your home can cause persistent odor issues if they are crushed or disturbed, as they release a pungent scent as a defense mechanism. In agricultural or garden settings, stink bugs feed on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants by piercing the skin and sucking out juices, which can lead to cosmetic damage and reduced crop quality. While this feeding behavior does not occur indoors, their association with outdoor crop damage highlights the importance of preventing large populations from developing near structures. Although they aren’t a health threat, the presence of many stink bugs can be irritating, disruptive, and unpleasant, particularly during seasonal migrations into homes.
Professional stink bug treatment begins with a comprehensive on-site inspection to identify infestation levels and specific entry points into your home or business. A&S Pest Control technicians then develop a tailored treatment plan that may include targeted exterior barrier applications to deter bugs before they reach the structure, exclusion techniquesto seal gaps and prevent future entry, and strategic interior treatments if needed in areas where stink bugs are active. Technicians also assess factors such as outdoor lighting, landscaping, and structural vulnerabilities that could influence pest behavior. Unlike temporary sprays or DIY solutions, professional treatments combine multiple methods designed to reduce infestations, eliminate access paths, and protect your property across seasons. Regular follow-ups and monitoring can be scheduled to ensure ongoing effectiveness, especially during peak stink bug migration periods.
Yes — professional stink bug control services from A&S Pest Control prioritize the safety of your family, pets, and the environment. Technicians use EPA-approved products and follow best practices for application so that treatments target pests while minimizing exposure to people and animals. Part of professional service includes educating homeowners on safety precautions and areas to avoid during and after treatment. In addition to chemical controls, many professional strategies focus on physical prevention, sealing entry points, and improving conditions around your property that make it less attractive to stink bugs and other pests. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, or sensitive pets, technicians can tailor service plans or recommend complementary prevention practices that align with your safety requirements.

Why Choose A&S Pest Control?

✅ Locally, Family & Veteran Owned & Operated in Hagerstown, MD
✅ Licensed, Certified, and Fully Insured
✅ Fast Response Times & Flexible Scheduling
✅ Safe for Kids & Pets
✅ Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees
✅ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We treat your home or business like it’s our own — with respect, care, and attention to detail.

At A&S Pest Control, we offer comprehensive solutions to safeguard your home or business from a variety of pests. Our termite inspection services are designed to detect and prevent the destructive effects of termites. If you're dealing with bed bugs, our bed bug treatments are thorough and effective. We also specialize in eliminating common household pests such as ants, cockroaches, and fleas. For those unsettling encounters with spiders or bees/wasps, our team provides prompt and safe removal. Additionally, we address issues with beetles, centipedes/millipedes, rats/mice, flies, ticks, snakes, and springtails/silverfish. Whether you're seeking a one-time treatment or a comprehensive residential or commercial pest control plan, our experienced team is here to help.

Schedule Your Free Stink Bug Inspection Today

Don't let stink bugs invade your home. Reach out to A&S Pest Control for reliable and effective stink bug control services in Hagerstown, Maryland.

stink bug on a leaf in hagerstown maryland

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