Pentatomidae. Do you smell them before you see them?
As of October 2014, stink bugs can be found in 41 out of 50 states within the U.S.A
The idiomatic term "stink bug" is also applied to distantly related species such as Boisea trivittata, the "boxelder bug", and entirely different types of insects such as beetles in the genus Eleodes ("pinacate beetles"
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Many stink bugs and shield bugs are considered agricultural pest insects, because they can create large populations which feed on crops (damaging production), and they are resistant to many pesticides. They are a threat to cotton, corn, sorghum, soybeans, native and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, weeds, and many cultivated crops.[3] However, some genera of Pentatomidae are considered highly beneficial: the anchor bug, which can be distinguished by the red-orange anchor shape on the adult, is one example. It is a predator of other insects, especially Mexican bean beetles, Japanese beetles, and other pest insects.
Spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris preying on larvae of Epilachna varivestis
Anchor bug (Stiretrus anchorago) valued as a predator on crop pests.
They also are commonly eaten in Laos, and are regarded as delicious due to their extremely strong odor. The insects are sometimes pounded together with spices and a seasoning to prepare cheo, a paste mixed with chilies and herbs.
more at link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentatomidae
= new reply since forum marked as read
'Stink bug' to me has always meant the pinacate beetle and its relatives. I see shield bugs but I erroneously thought they were 'potato bugs,' which I now see is actually a name (here in CA, at least) for the Jerusalem cricket. Guess you learn something every day... 
They don't stink unless you crush them.... so I flush them instead. Every time the sun comes out, we get a few in the house. They are also voracious garden pests.
I can't imagine eating them.
We have a TON of them in my house in WV. It's a rental, so I will exterminate all of my things before I move, but I'm not paying to have it done now. I had not smelled them at all- and my husband doesn't ever smell them- until I accidentally crushed one that was crawling on my neck while I slept. I woke up and almost hurled from the stench.
I think I ran across one of these a couple of days ago, somehow got stuck to me, so I took it back outside. I had no idea what it was... 
I was testing out a new macro lens a few years ago and was surprised at what they look like up close, particularly the dimple patterns in the shell:
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interesting. darn little critter has to go and get cute on me. dang.
thanks for the pic
They're not quite my favorite bug, but I've found that most things look a lot more interesting when you zoom in really close.
good to see you tonight, Flaxbee Nice to see you too! I'm not here much, but when I am I look for your threads.
with the really cold weather past couple of weeks I am hoping they are staying warm 
get plenty of food (2 cans of fancy feast plus dry and fresh water set out daily - and it's always gone around dusk, which is usually when she stops by for dinner).
Jack is fine. He didn't like the bed I'd set up for him under the potting table at home, so he's now in one of the little nooks on the table (it has a raised shelf along the back and he has tucked himself between the shelf and the table - about the size of a bootbox). I've got it set up with heating pad, fleece blankets and a little fleece curtain to keep the wind out. Lol. We have business company in town, but I'm going to take Jack in for the full work up (neuter, shots, etc.) in Feb. He's nice and toasty and has a rotund belly. He is very affectionate.
