Stink bug control guide: Here's how to remove the smelly insects from your home.

Every insect has its claim to fame. Spiders are known for their eight legs, while beetles have hard shells. Other bugs stink – literally.

The U.S. and Canada are home to around 260 stink bug species, according to Terminix. Worldwide, you can find over 4,000 different types of these smelly creatures crawling about.

These bugs' habitats are outside, but sometimes, they make their way into your home. Even though they are relatively harmless, no one wants an insect stinking up their space.

If you're looking to eliminate a smelly infestation or prevent a potential one, read on to learn how to identify stink bugs and how to get rid of them.

What does a stink bug look like?

Most adult stink bugs are shield-shaped. Their segmented bodies are tapered toward the bottom and widen toward the head.

Adult stink bugs usually grow to two centimeters and are just as long as they are wide. They have six legs – three on each side – that extend, making them appear larger. A stink bug's antennae is located at the point of its head.

Stink bugs also have wings located near their heads, according to Orkin. A stink bug's wings protect its interior set.

A stink bug's coloring depends on its species. Some stink bugs are black, green, brown or gray. Others have distinct patterns, such as the Florida predatory stink bug which has red markings.

Where do stink bugs come from?

If you have a stink bug problem in your home, there is no immediate worry. Unlike other insects, stink bugs do not cause structural damage, do not bite and do not spread disease. While harmless, stink bugs are still a nuisance.

Stink bugs pose the biggest threat to your fruits and vegetables. When they come out in the spring, stink bugs feed on various crops, including apples, corn, peppers, tomatoes and soybeans. In the summer, stink bugs reproduce.

During the fall, stink bugs will try to find shelter from the cold temperatures. Once a stink bug finds a good place to hide, they will release a smelly chemical to alert and attract others. This can lead to an infestation.

Stink bugs make their way into homes through cracks and crevices.

How to get rid of stink bugs

The good news is stink bugs will not reproduce in your home, according to the EPA. So, if they're already inside, the stink bugs will not lay any more eggs.

Using pesticides to get rid of stink bugs indoors is often ineffective, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. The best way to remove stink bugs is to vacuum them. You can also remove them by hand.

Another way to keep stink bugs out is through preventative measures. Make sure entryways and windows are secure so nothing can enter. Remove debris and vegetation that may attract the insects. Repair and seal any cracks in your home.

By following these steps, you can prevent stink bugs from coming into your house.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to get rid of stink bugs