Stink Bugs on West Virginia Porch in Winter: Emerging from Indoor Dormancy, Not Dead

Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) on your WV porch in freezing weather—belly up, reappearing after sweeping—are emerging from winter dormancy inside your house, not dead.

What's Happening

• BMSB overwinter in attics, wall voids, cracks.
• Winter warm spells or indoor heat trigger activity.
• They wander to light (windows, porch) and fall, appearing dead (cold-stunned).
• Swept into yard: they die before spring.

Does It Help?

Removing them reduces indoor numbers slightly, but BMSB migrate long distances—next year's population comes from the landscape, not your porch.

Better Strategy

• Seal entry points (caulk, screen, foam) in late summer.
• Exterior pyrethroid spray (Sept–Oct) by pro can reduce overwintering.
• Vacuum indoors; discard bag.

See BMSB guide. They're a nuisance, not a threat.