Stink bugs get their name from the foul odor they emit when they feel threatened or crushed, particularly against predators such as birds, lizards, mice, and other animals that prey on them. The odor can vary, with some emitting a cilantro-like smell and others smelling like a skunk. The odor comes from a chemical secreted from glands on their stomach.
Stink bugs can emit another odor that isn’t detected by humans but can be recognized by other stink bugs. Stink bugs release a specific pheromone when they find a safe place to hibernate for the winter. Other stink bugs recognize this specific pheromone and join to hibernate together throughout the winter.