Found this weird shield-shaped bug crawling on my curtains in the middle of winter. It moves really slowly and has a speckled brown back. Is this going to bite or infest my house?

Fortunately, Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs are not harmful to humans or pets. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. Their slow-moving nature and lack of aggression make them more of a nuisance than a threat.

Their primary defense mechanism is their ability to release a foul-smelling odor when threatened or squashed, which is more of an annoyance than a danger. Pets, particularly cats and dogs, may be curious about these bugs, but if ingested, stink bugs are generally not toxic. However, they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.