The brown marmorated stink bug (pdf) also know as Halyomorpha Halys is native to Asia but has been seen in a handful of states in North America; California is one of those states. The first brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) in the United States was documented in Allentown, PA in 2001.

In Asia, this stink bug is a major pest that targets fruit trees and soybeans. As of now, the pest is considered a minor household pest in the United States but this stink bug does have the potential to become a major agricultural pest problem. It is expected this stink bug will continue to expand and invade agricultural areas.

Brown marmorated stink bugs have a notable shield shaped body and range in size from 14-17mm (less than an inch). You can tell native stink bugs from these bugs because brown marmorated stink bugs have antennae with alternating dark brown and light brown.

This stink bug begins to feed in May or June and are considered true bugs which have specialized mouths used to suck the liquid out of plants.  Vegetation that has been targeted by the brown marmorated stink bug will have discolored and pitted leaves.

BMSB is not the only species of stink bug that causes the same type of damage; this makes it difficult to assess how much damage this particular stink bug causes.

During the fall, the stink bug heads indoors to hibernate. They can enter the house by sliding under siding, attic vents, door frames, etc… The goal for venturing inside is to hibernate but sometimes the warm temperatures cause the bugs to become active and fly around.

The BMSB and other stink bugs emit a odor as a defense mechanism to predators such as birds and lizards, but the odor can also be released if the insect is crushed, injured or even moved.

Also, it is thought the stink bugs use their “stink” as a signal to other stink bugs that that particular location is a good place to hibernate.

Keeping BMSB out of the house is the best way to manage the stink bugs;  sealing cracks and gaps with caulk as well as repairing broken screens are good preventative steps. Having a pest control company spray the exterior of the building in the fall may prevent an infestation later in the year, but the pesticides are only temporary. If you already have an infestation, call a local exterminator.

{photo credit: Anita363}

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