Stink bugs are insects that are characterized as both "large, oval-shaped insects" and "shield-shaped insects". They are almost 2 cm long with a shield-like shape and a grayish speckled coating. The brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species that is native to China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian regions. They are known for their unpleasant odor, which they produce when they are threatened. The odor helps protect the bugs against predators. The smell has been characterized as a "pungent odor that smells like coriander". The stink bugs produce the smelly chemical in a gland on their abdomen, and some species can actually spray the chemical several inches. Stink bugs feed on many plants, including native and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, weeds, and many cultivated crops. They can do a lot of damage to vegetable and flower gardens. They are a serious agricultural pest that can cause widespread damage to fruit and vegetable crops. Stink bugs suck the juice from leaves, stems, and roots of plants. They attack everything from ornamental plants to weeds. Stink bugs are not known to bite humans or damage property, but caution should be used when handling them to avoid a release of their unpleasant odor. If you find stink bugs inside your house, try not to squash them. Instead, consider using a vacuum cleaner to avoid the stinky odor from the bugs.