You can't run, you can't hide, but you can smell them. Stink bugs have invaded Virginia and residents in Charlottesville and Albemarle County are dealing with the smell.

Whether the bugs smell like burnt rubber or spoiled food, it's apparent that local residents would like them gone.

"Well, they have actual glands on their body that release an odor and people say, that stinks," says Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries extension agent Peter Warren.

The unique stink bug scent is a defense mechanism against any other animal or insect that tries to attack and eat the bug. Unfortunately, those bugs and the accompanying smell have made their way to Charlottesville.

Stink bugs come from Asia and they came here by way of Pennsylvania. The number of stink bugs in the area has increased over the past three to four years, and with all the vegetation in the region, it seems they may be staying for awhile.

"It remains to be seen how bad it will get," says Warren.

The harmless critters seem to have taken over at least one area park, and parents in Pen Park in Charlottesville have had just about enough. On the other hand, kids playing in the park don't have a problem with the bugs. In fact, they like them.

"You know kids, they love bugs. So you have to have those wipes and hand sanitizers ready," says Maynard Petris.

One thing is for sure, no matter how you intend to get rid of them, these bugs will live up their name.