CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) – University of Illinois researchers say an invasive variety of stink bug is spreading in the state.

Kelly Estes is cooperative agricultural pest survey coordinator at the university’s Prairie Research Institute. She said in a news release Friday that brown marmorated stink bugs have been found in five new, widely scattered Illinois counties. The bugs’ presence was recently confirmed in Macon, Winnebago, Clinton, Effingham and Stephenson counties.

The stink bugs were first found in the state in 2010 in Cook County and in the East St. Louis area.

The bugs feed on a wide variety of host plants in gardens, orchards and fields.

Estes said the bugs often winter in homes and with the onset of cooler weather may be seen on houses looking for winter shelter.