A stinkbug is a shield-shaped insect that releases a foul-smelling liquid when it feels threatened or is squished. If you've ever accidentally crushed one or noticed a sharp, unpleasant odor in your room, you've experienced what gives the stinkbug its name. The smell is the bug's defense mechanism, similar to how a skunk sprays predators.

Stinkbugs have become a familiar household pest in many parts of North America, especially in fall when they sneak indoors looking for warm places to spend the winter. They cluster on sunny walls and slip through tiny cracks around windows. While they don't bite, sting, or damage homes, they can be a nuisance when dozens appear on your ceiling or curtains.

The brown marmorated stinkbug, the most common type people encounter, is actually an invasive species from Asia that arrived in the United States in the 1990s. It has caused problems for farmers because these bugs feed on fruits and vegetables. If you find stinkbugs in your house, people often vacuum them up or gently move them outside without squishing them. Otherwise, you'll be reminded exactly how they got their name.