Stink bugs are currently swarming Southern Burgenland in large numbers as they seek winter quarters in apartments and houses. According to a report by the Chamber of Agriculture, these insects are entering wall cracks, window frames, and door frames to hide.
The Southern Green Stink Bug, measuring twelve to sixteen millimeters, is harmless to humans but causes significant crop losses. A warm summer in 2026 favored their spread across eastern Austria, threatening agricultural yields in soybeans, corn, and fruit.
Residents are warned not to crush the pests, as they secrete a foul-smelling fluid that lingers for hours. Experts advise against using vacuum cleaners for removal, as the odor can persist in the device. The bugs will remain indoors until spring arrives.