To ID an adult invasive brown marmorated stink bug, look for alternating black and white bands on its antennae and legs and alternating black and white triangular markings on their abdomen. (Backyard Production / i Stock)

Noticed a chill in the air lately?

You’re not the only one. Stink bugs — specifically non-native brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys) — aren’t fans of the cooler fall temperatures and have started heading indoors to over-winter.

Don’t freak out, experts said.

These invasive pests, which hail from China and were first identified in the U.S. in the late 1990s, are more of a threat to commercial growers, damaging crops like apples, corn and soybeans. They’re also found in home gardens, feeding on both fruit, vegetable and ornamental plants.

Indoors, these stink bugs don’t carry disease, bite, reproduce or feed on houseplants. They’re just looking for a place to ride out the winter — attics, bookcases, behind baseboards, or under beds and sofas — before heading back outside in the spring.

But in large enough numbers, they’re a nuisance to homeowners and businesses. Per the EPA: “In areas where they are established, they can enter structures by the hundreds or thousands.” 

Then there’s the matter of the “stink” in stink bug, which is a defense mechanism.

As tempting as it might be to smash these unwelcome guests — don’t, Scott Schirmer, of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, warned in a statement. That’s what releases the stench, he said. 

To get rid of them, experts advise against using insecticides or pesticides: The former have proven ineffective and the latter are unwise to apply indoors.

That leaves a few of low-tech management options:

— Suck up the stink bugs with a hand-held vacuum cleaner (be prepared for it to smell) and dump them into soapy water.

— Seal up cracks and crevices around your home to keep them from entering in the first place.

— In the event of a minor infestation, gently remove individuals and deposit them back outdoors. 

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]