Do stink bugs bite or cause damage?

The good news is that stink bugs don’t bite. They also don’t harm people or pets, nor do they spread disease.

However, some people are allergic to the compounds released by the stink bug. Symptoms of this allergy can include a runny nose and, if you come in contact with crushed bugs, dermatitis. You may be at risk for crushing bugs if you work in agriculture or accidentally handle produce with bugs on it.

Stink bugs affect crops, including corn and soy. They pierce kernels or soybeans and suck out the moisture, damaging the produce. They can also affect fruits such as apples, peaches, figs, citrus, persimmons, and blackberries.