The sun is shining, and for a moment, it almost feels like spring. You walk over to a window to enjoy the rare February warmth, only to find a familiar, shield-shaped insect crawling on the glass. It’s a stink bug, and you’re not alone in wondering why it has suddenly appeared in the middle of winter. The answer is simpler than you might think and has everything to do with their survival instincts.
Why Stink Bugs Wake Up in Winter
Stink bugs are what we call “overwintering” pests. This means they don’t die off when temperatures drop; instead, they seek out safe, sheltered places to wait out the cold. Your home provides the perfect refuge. They find their way inside during the fall through cracks, vents, and gaps, then settle into a dormant state within your walls, attic, or crawl spaces. They remain inactive, conserving energy until they sense a change.
That’s where a sunny February day comes in. When the sun beats down on your house, it warms the siding and, consequently, the wall voids where these pests are hiding. The stink bugs mistake this sudden warmth for the arrival of spring. As a result, they “wake up” from their slumber and begin to move around, looking for a way back outside to feed and mate.
Their journey often leads them further into your living space. Since stink bugs are attracted to light and heat, your windows become beacons. They see the bright, warm glass as their best escape route. This is why you suddenly find them congregating on your windowsills and panes. They aren’t trying to invade your home further; they are simply confused and trying to get out.
How to Prevent Stink Bug Infestations
While a few stink bugs on a sunny day may just be a nuisance, it can signal a larger population hiding in your home. Sealing entry points in the fall is the best prevention. However, if they have already made your house their winter resort, contact Allison Pest Control today! We can help manage the issue before the real spring arrives.
