This insect is native to mainland China. It was accidentally introduced into the U.S., with the first specimen being collected in September 1998. The brown marmorated stink bug is considered to be an agricultural pest.

It also is more likely to invade homes in the fall than other types of stink bugs. The brown marmorated stink bug survives the winter as an adult by entering houses and structures when fall evenings start to turn cold. Adults can live for several years and look for buildings to overwinter in that shield them from the elements. They will work their way under siding, into soffits, around window and door frames, under roof shingles and into any crawl space or attic vent which has openings big enough to fit through. Once inside the house they will go into a state of hibernation where they wait for winter to pass, but often the warmth inside the house causes them to become active, especially in winter months, and they will fly clumsily around light fixtures.

The stinkbug's ability to emit a vile odor through holes in its abdomen is a defense mechanism meant to prevent it from being eaten by birds and lizards. However, simply jostling the bug, cornering it, scaring or injuring it, or attempting to remove it from one's house can "set it off". Squashing it is a surefire way of expelling its noxious odor.

There are many methods for removing the stink bug from a house without causing it to release its odor. The quickest way is to allow it to walk onto something like a newspaper and then simply take it outside, although the bug may simply find its way back inside again. Vacuum cleaners have also been used, although this can stink up the vacuum cleaner.

The Bug Man has not expected this insect to be much of a problem in Michigan in 2011, but we are already seeing them. By the fall of 2012 many rural customers will be calling for eradication. The best time to treat your house to prevent this pest is in the fall (mid-September to mid-October).