Stink Bug

Description:

Stink Bug (Brown marmorated stink bug). The stink bug was "accidentally" introduced into the United States in Pennsylvania in September 1998. By 2009, they had reached several other eastern states, including Maryland and Virginia. By 2011, they had spread to 34 U.S. states. Considered to be an agricultural pest that can cause widespread damage to fruit and vegetable crops. Will start to invade homes in the fall. They will enter under siding, around window and door frames, chimneys, or any space which has openings big enough to fit through. Once inside, they go into a state of hibernation waiting for winter to pass. The stink bug's ability to emit an odor through holes in its abdomen is a defense mechanism meant to prevent it from being eaten by birds and lizards. However, simply handling the bug, injuring it, or attempting to move it can trigger it to release the odor.

Habitat:

There were hundreds of these flying stink bugs all over our camper at Endless Caverns campground in New Market, Virginia. I have never seen so many. Had to take a broom to brush them off. We will probably "accidentally" take some back to our home state of Maryland.