The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is an invasive pest originating from Japan, Korea, and China.
It was accidentally introduced to the United States near Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 2001 and has since become a widespread agricultural and nuisance pest.
Having a shield-shaped body with brown mottling, and measuring between 14 and 17 mm in length, it is roughly the size of a U.S. dime.
This insect has piercing-sucking mouthparts, which are straw-like stylets that suck plant juices.
BMSBs prefer to feed on reproductive structures like fruits, pods, and seeds and affect a wide range of plants, including fruit, vegetable, and grain crops.
In Oregon, for example, the stink bug has been damaging hazelnut crops.
Apart from their impact on agriculture, Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs are also nuisance pests that invade buildings, seeking shelter during the colder months.
Their distinctive odor when crushed or disturbed has earned them the name “stink bug.” As a result, they can be problematic for homeowners and businesses alike.
Identification and Origin
Physical Characteristics
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (Halyomorpha halys) have some distinct features that set them apart:
- Adult bugs are shield-shaped and range between 14 and 17 mm long, roughly the size of a U.S. dime1
- Brown mottling texture on their bodies
- Alternating broad light and dark bands on their abdomen edges and last two antennal segments1
It also has five nymphal stages (instars) that are more brightly colored with red and black2.
Habitat and Range
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs are native to East Asia, including countries like China and Japan3.
They were accidentally introduced into the US in the late 1990s and were first found in Allentown, Pennsylvania3.
Since then, they have spread to almost every state, primarily in the Eastern and Midwestern US, as well as parts of Canada3.
These bugs are also found in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand3.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug typically feeds on leaves, stems, fruits, pods, and seeds using their piercing-sucking mouthparts4.
They prefer reproductive plant structures, and are known agricultural pests to fruit, vegetable, and grain crops4.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Eggs and Development
The life cycle of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug begins with eggs laid by adult females during spring and throughout summer. These eggs are:
- Light green or yellow in color
- Elliptical-shaped
- Found in clusters of 20-30
Once hatched, the nymphs undergo five developmental stages before reaching adulthood. Key characteristics of these stages include:
- Five-segmented antennae
- Alternating black and white markings on the hind legs
- Size ranging from 1/2 to 5/8 inches in adults
Mating and Breeding
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs mate in spring and continue breeding until autumn.
Their mating habits contribute to the growth of their population. Here’s a comparison table of some factors affecting population growth:
| Factors | Impact on Population Growth |
|---|---|
| Mating Season | Increases during spring and autumn |
| Breeding Capacity | Females lay numerous egg clusters |
| Developmental Stages | Gradual growth from nymphs to adults |
Examples of the stink bug’s mating habits include aggregating on host plants and using chemical signals to attract mates.
In areas where they’re an agricultural pest, these breeding behaviors can heavily impact fruit, vegetable, and grain crops.
Impacts on Agriculture
Fruit and Vegetable Damage
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is well known for causing damage to a variety of fruit and vegetable crops.
They have a straw-like stylet which allows them to suck plant juices, often targeting reproductive structures like fruits, pods, and seeds1.
Some affected crops include:
BMSB has a significant effect on fruit trees, resulting in damage to the fruit itself7.
Economic Losses
Due to their heavy feeding on agricultural crops, Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs have caused significant economic losses in affected regions8.
Farmers growing fruit, vegetables, and other crops may face lower crop yield and reduced market value9 for their produce.
Below is a comparison table of selected crops and the economic losses caused by BMSB:
| Crop | Economic Losses |
|---|---|
| Apples | 37% loss in mid-Atlantic region10 |
| Peaches | 25% loss in mid-Atlantic region11 |
| Soybeans | $37 million estimated losses in 201012 |
In addition to direct damage to crops, the presence of BMSB may also cause increased costs for farmers due to monitoring, management, and control efforts13.
Prevention and Control Methods
Pesticides and Insecticides
Using chemical control for Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs can be challenging, as insecticides have a short-lived effect and resistance development has been observed. However, they may provide temporary relief.
Home Remedies
Simple methods can be employed to prevent and control stink bug infestations:
- Soapy water: Fill a spray bottle with water and a small amount of dish soap. Spray the mixture directly onto the stink bugs to kill them
- Sealing structures: Prevent bugs from entering your home by sealing gaps in doors and windows, and repairing screens
- Trapping: DIY traps can be made with common household items, like a water bottle with a small amount of fruit inside to attract stink bugs
Biological Control
Introducing natural predators can help control stink bug populations. Examples include:
- Spined Soldier Bug: A predatory insect that preys on stink bug eggs and larvae
- Green Stink Bug: A native species that compete with Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs for resources
| Predator | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Spined Soldier Bug | Targets eggs and larvae, reducing reproduction | May require release in large numbers |
| Green Stink Bug | Native competitor helps control the population | Can be considered a pest as well |
Biological control methods contribute to a long-term, sustainable approach to managing stink bug populations, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Seasonal Behavior and Home Infestations
Attracted to Warmth and Light
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs are attracted to warmth and light during the stink bug season, which usually starts in late May.
As the weather gets colder, these bugs search for warm places to take shelter and may enter your home through:
- Windows
- Doors
- Chimneys
- Siding gaps
- Attic vents
Keep in mind that stink bugs are generally harmless and do not bite. However, they can release an unpleasant odor when disturbed.
Dealing with Infestations in Homes
If you find stink bugs in your home, there are several steps you can take to manage the infestation:
- Seal entry points: Examine your home for any gaps and cracks and seal them using caulk or weatherstripping. Install screens on windows, doors, and attic vents to block their easy entry.
- Remove stink bugs carefully: If you see stink bugs inside, avoid crushing them to prevent the release of their unpleasant odor. Use a vacuum cleaner or a piece of paper to gently pick them up and dispose of them outdoors.
International Regulations and Policies
Quarantine and Inspection
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is an invasive species native to Asia. To protect agriculture, several countries have established strict regulations.
For example, Australia has strict quarantine policies. They classify BMSB as a high-risk pest.
Importers must follow specific guidelines for products arriving from risk countries. These include:
- Pre-shipment inspection
- Mandatory treatment certificate
In the United States, Virginia is proactively managing BMSB infestations. They conduct regular inspections to detect the bug early.
It’s essential to take preventive actions. For instance, some authorities recommend using natural predators like coriander as a deterrent.
Research and Knowledge Advances
Field Trapping and Pheromones
Recent studies in the Journal of Pest Science have explored new ways to control brown marmorated stink bugs through field trapping techniques.
One approach involves using geometric isomers of the pheromone methyl 2,4,6-decatrienoate.
These isomers help attract the bugs, which can then be effectively trapped.
Some advantages of field trapping and pheromones include:
- Non-toxic
- Targeted pest control
- Less environmental impact
However, there are some downsides as well:
- Requires continuous monitoring
- May not be effective in larger areas
Invasive Species Management
Effective management of invasive species like the brown marmorated stink bug is essential to prevent potential harm to agriculture and native ecosystems.
In countries like Switzerland, researchers are seeking new ways to control this bug.
To effectively manage the spread of this invasive species, it is crucial to embrace a combination of approaches while also staying informed about new advances in field trapping and invasive species management.
Conclusion
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is an invasive pest that poses significant challenges to agriculture and homeowners alike.
Originating from East Asia, its accidental introduction to the US has led to widespread agricultural damage and nuisance infestations in homes.
With a distinctive shield-shaped body and an unpleasant odor when disturbed, the BMSB feeds on a variety of crops, causing economic losses.
While chemical control methods offer temporary relief, research into field trapping and biological control methods provides hope for more sustainable solutions.
For homeowners, sealing entry points and careful removal are key to managing infestations.
As the BMSB continues to spread, understanding its behavior, impact, and control methods is essential for both farmers and the general public.
Footnotes
- US EPA – Brown Marmorated Stink Bug ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- Rutgers NJAES – How to Identify ↩ ↩2
- UMN Extension – Brown marmorated stink bug ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
- OSU Extension Service – The brown marmorated stink bug ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- https://ag.umass.edu/fruit/resources/brown-marmorated-stink-bug ↩
- https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-agricultural-and-food-chemistry/ ↩
- https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/brown-marmorated-stink-bug ↩
- https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pests-weeds-diseases/insects/brown-marmorated-stink-bug ↩
- https://ag.umass.edu/fruit/resources/brown-marmorated-stink-bug ↩
- https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-agricultural-and-food-chemistry/ ↩
- https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-agricultural-and-food-chemistry/ ↩
- https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-agricultural-and-food-chemistry/ ↩
- https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/brown-marmorated-stink-bug ↩
22 Comments. Leave new
I’m in California as well (up north though, in the Bay Area) and I get approached all the time for identification on this one. I see a few of these every month, and I’m not too thrilled about it either.
Hi Jessi,
Yes, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug has gotten a foothold in Southern California. It seems our only hope in North America is to find a natural predator from China that will target the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug without negatively impacting native species. We have already posted a newspaper clipping from the Youngstown Vindicator regarding this search.
I also live in Aloha (that’s pronounced uh-low-uh, not ah-low-ha), Oregon and in early spring 2013 I saw at least one a day! They’re everwhere, it seems. I dont know whats up with all the infestations going on around here (97007). Besides the ‘Marmaladed’ Stink Bugs flourishing me and quite a few of my neighbors are also dealing with Indian meal moths, which seem to get into everything in the kitchen, and those really small black ‘sugar’ ants, even in December and Janurary, which is just plain weird! I grew up in this area (I’m almost 40) and only ever saw 1 marmaladed stinker, no meal moths, and the tiny ants were only a summertime problem.
I understand the stink bugs are an invasive species, but what about the other itty-bitty pests? Do you think the population explosion could be due to global warming? Last winter (2012/13) was very mild compared to the last few winters, so could less days below freezing be part of the growing insect population? I prefer to not harm any animals including insects, even wolf spiders and bold jumpers I take out back and release into the local wetlands behind where I live, but my girls and most of their friends are really scared of the stink bugs. Is there anything that can be done to detract them(the bugs, not the kids) from the area? Theres also a lot of Isabella tiger moths too, but the cats keep their population in check. Apparently kitties think they taste good.
I found whatsthatbug.com just today and…omigosh I’ve been here for 7 hours! Thank you for taking the time to host such a wonderful, amazing, informative, and fun website! You managed to monopolize my day off! 🙂
Aloha from Aloha,
Hope C.
I also live in Aloha (that’s pronounced uh-low-uh, not ah-low-ha), Oregon and in early spring 2013 I saw at least one a day! They’re everwhere, it seems. I dont know whats up with all the infestations going on around here (97007). Besides the ‘Marmaladed’ Stink Bugs flourishing me and quite a few of my neighbors are also dealing with Indian meal moths, which seem to get into everything in the kitchen, and those really small black ‘sugar’ ants, even in December and Janurary, which is just plain weird! I grew up in this area (I’m almost 40) and only ever saw 1 marmaladed stinker, no meal moths, and the tiny ants were only a summertime problem.
I understand the stink bugs are an invasive species, but what about the other itty-bitty pests? Do you think the population explosion could be due to global warming? Last winter (2012/13) was very mild compared to the last few winters, so could less days below freezing be part of the growing insect population? I prefer to not harm any animals including insects, even wolf spiders and bold jumpers I take out back and release into the local wetlands behind where I live, but my girls and most of their friends are really scared of the stink bugs. Is there anything that can be done to detract them(the bugs, not the kids) from the area? Theres also a lot of Isabella tiger moths too, but the cats keep their population in check. Apparently kitties think they taste good.
I found whatsthatbug.com just today and…omigosh I’ve been here for 7 hours! Thank you for taking the time to host such a wonderful, amazing, informative, and fun website! You managed to monopolize my day off! 🙂
Aloha from Aloha,
Hope C.
Thanks for the compliments. INdian Meal Moths are a cosmopolitan pest species found in stored grain products. It is possible to buy tainted products like corn meal from the grocery. You should check the pantry to find what they have infested and eliminate the source. They often infest our own oatmeal if we don’t eat quickly. The ants might be Argentine Ants and they might be advancing their range throughout the west coast. Populations spike in the summer, but this invasive species can be found year round in Los Angeles.
Wooh i live in scotland & i think i’ll put up with the cold rather than these bugs !!!
I found the same bug in my home. I thought I saw something whiz by while watching TV. . .fell asleep and when I awoke, there it was on the TV screen. I captured it. I believe it came from the box of Florida oranges I bought for a friend just before Christmas. Since the friend never picked up the oranges, and it was so frigid here, the oranges spoiled. How do they reproduce? Do they bite? Carry diseases? I swatted it and when it fell to the floor it made quite a noise for a bug! It really frightened me. I thought it was a stink bug, but was not sure.
To the best of our knowledge, Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs do not carry diseases and we have not received any reports about them biting people. They reproduce when a male Brown Marmorated Stink Bug mates with a female Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. The female lays her eggs on an acceptable host plant. The eggs hatch into young nymphs which eat, grow, molt and eventually mature, beginning the cycle over again.
I found this same bug today when I opened my eyes and wondered what was so wide with weird legs doing above my bed on the wall. Online it says they hide in certain areas, but this bug was on my wall. I captured it, but before capturing it I tried to see if it would move when I stuck something by it and nope it just stood there. Online says they come in and then go into a state of hibernation. Maybe it was hibernating for now. Last night I kept hearing something though that bugged my ear, thought something entered it, now waking to find this large bug I been curious.
Online and your picture above of the bug next to a dime, it says it’s about that size. But, my bug is like a nickel size, and with its legs out about the weight of a quarter. So is mine the largest reported stink bug in America? Mine is in Oregon, also in a county that isn’t listed on our government sites saying where this bug is seen. So it’s in an area where it hasn’t been recorded I guess. Right now it’s moving about in the container, it only moved its wings a few times maybe that was its stink to come out. Not sure. I also have these smaller brown winged bugs in the house, I can kill 20 of them to waking up the next day to finding like 20 more, then next day finding like 20 more. They keep showing up every day, but only thing is there isn’t really anything opened leading outside to inside where these bugs keeping appearing, like in the bathroom and kitchen, are they coming through the vents? The little brown but long thin bugs are yet to be found online, so I don’t have a name for them as of yet, but they fly a lot and seem to be single or in pairs on walls and above your head, some hanging on another as it moves on the walls and such. Then there are these weird clear-like crawling bugs, they seem oddly yellowish with something pink inside, they come with tiny like red heads so tiny though and their bodies stretch as they move. I find them only high on the walls or ceiling walking along the crack lines of the walls. I caught three, normally I kill them so they don’t become more brown bugs what I think they might be. You never see them on the lower parts of any walls. I would post pictures, but I don’t see where I can on here. How did she or you guys enter a picture of the stink bug above? Let me add some pics? Unless you know the three bugs I speak of, found inside the home so far. But like I said, my stink bug is massive. You thought it looked like a beetle, but to me mine looks more like a giant tick.
I found this same bug today when I opened my eyes and wondered what was so wide with weird legs doing above my bed on the wall. Online it says they hide in certain areas, but this bug was on my wall. I captured it, but before capturing it I tried to see if it would move when I stuck something by it and nope it just stood there. Online says they come in and then go into a state of hibernation. Maybe it was hibernating for now. Last night I kept hearing something though that bugged my ear, thought something entered it, now waking to find this large bug I been curious.
Online and your picture above of the bug next to a dime, it says it’s about that size. But, my bug is like a nickel size, and with its legs out about the weight of a quarter. So is mine the largest reported stink bug in America? Mine is in Oregon, also in a county that isn’t listed on our government sites saying where this bug is seen. So it’s in an area where it hasn’t been recorded I guess. Right now it’s moving about in the container, it only moved its wings a few times maybe that was its stink to come out. Not sure. I also have these smaller brown winged bugs in the house, I can kill 20 of them to waking up the next day to finding like 20 more, then next day finding like 20 more. They keep showing up every day, but only thing is there isn’t really anything opened leading outside to inside where these bugs keeping appearing, like in the bathroom and kitchen, are they coming through the vents? The little brown but long thin bugs are yet to be found online, so I don’t have a name for them as of yet, but they fly a lot and seem to be single or in pairs on walls and above your head, some hanging on another as it moves on the walls and such. Then there are these weird clear-like crawling bugs, they seem oddly yellowish with something pink inside, they come with tiny like red heads so tiny though and their bodies stretch as they move. I find them only high on the walls or ceiling walking along the crack lines of the walls. I caught three, normally I kill them so they don’t become more brown bugs what I think they might be. You never see them on the lower parts of any walls. I would post pictures, but I don’t see where I can on here. How did she or you guys enter a picture of the stink bug above? Let me add some pics? Unless you know the three bugs I speak of, found inside the home so far. But like I said, my stink bug is massive. You thought it looked like a beetle, but to me mine looks more like a giant tick.
Without an image, we do not want to speculate.
weight of a quarter: I meant, width*. where these bugs keeping appearing: keep* tiny like red heads so tiny though and their bodies stretch as they move <–I think these are larva or some kind of baby bug as it's alive and moving about on the walls.
Location found: Albany, Oregon.
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2012/07/oregons_nurseries_use_bug-on-b.html
"Discovered by chance at a Portland home in 2004, the stink bug has since been found in Hood River and Jackson counties, home to high-value fruit orchards." But mine isn't found in those areas.
Mine so far had no smell. maybe now in the container it let lose a nasty one, but I'm not checking that. Lol.
weight of a quarter: I meant, width*. where these bugs keeping appearing: keep* tiny like red heads so tiny though and their bodies stretch as they move <–I think these are larva or some kind of baby bug as it's alive and moving about on the walls.
Location found: Albany, Oregon.
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2012/07/oregons_nurseries_use_bug-on-b.html
"Discovered by chance at a Portland home in 2004, the stink bug has since been found in Hood River and Jackson counties, home to high-value fruit orchards." But mine isn't found in those areas.
Mine so far had no smell. maybe now in the container it let lose a nasty one, but I'm not checking that. Lol.
I just want to say thank you for identifying this bug! I found one in my home after rearranging my furniture. I now can sleep better knowing this pest is harmless.
Thank you!
I just want to say thank you for identifying this bug! I found one in my home after rearranging my furniture. I now can sleep better knowing this pest is harmless.
Thank you!
Actually, I have a friend (N) with an allergy to this Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. If they land on her she gets a welt and if they actually spray their stink on her she gets blistered.
Another friend (A) first pointed them out because their stink spray bothered her cat and now the cat won’t go near them if she can avoid it. This cat is a bug catcher of all sorts of bugs but once sprayed she left them alone.
I was inundated while camping in my pop-up camper at a campground beside some farm fields, there were literally dozens that got inside when I opened the door on the sunny side of the camper. I later learned that they are clumsy fliers and usually crawl upwards after landing looking for crevices. They also hide in anything. I was finding them in boxes, clothing drawers, and all the cubby holes in the camper. Their thin shape makes it easy to slide into a thin slit and hunker down to hide,
I asked a fellow camper how to get rid of them and learned that if you step on or otherwise squash them it attracts more to their pheromones. There is a solution to the “But if I open the door, more will come in.” They are easy to trap in a sandwich baggie which is about 1/4 full of water with a squirt of dish soap. open the baggie, use the edge to knock them off of their perch and into the soapy solution, They drown.
I experimented with a spray of peppermint extract and water and was able to use it to drive the ones that got between the screen and the window out without squashing them. I use this to discourage spiders also. I do not feel bad about exterminating the bugs as they are an agricultural pest not native to our continent.
I hope this can be of some use especially since they have migrated down the eastern seaboard to NC at least.
Thanks so much for providing such interesting information about Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs, and invasive, exotic species that has quickly spread across North America, doubtless because they stow away in all manor of places provided by humans as they travel across the country.
Actually, I have a friend (N) with an allergy to this Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. If they land on her she gets a welt and if they actually spray their stink on her she gets blistered.
Another friend (A) first pointed them out because their stink spray bothered her cat and now the cat won’t go near them if she can avoid it. This cat is a bug catcher of all sorts of bugs but once sprayed she left them alone.
I was inundated while camping in my pop-up camper at a campground beside some farm fields, there were literally dozens that got inside when I opened the door on the sunny side of the camper. I later learned that they are clumsy fliers and usually crawl upwards after landing looking for crevices. They also hide in anything. I was finding them in boxes, clothing drawers, and all the cubby holes in the camper. Their thin shape makes it easy to slide into a thin slit and hunker down to hide,
I asked a fellow camper how to get rid of them and learned that if you step on or otherwise squash them it attracts more to their pheromones. There is a solution to the “But if I open the door, more will come in.” They are easy to trap in a sandwich baggie which is about 1/4 full of water with a squirt of dish soap. open the baggie, use the edge to knock them off of their perch and into the soapy solution, They drown.
I experimented with a spray of peppermint extract and water and was able to use it to drive the ones that got between the screen and the window out without squashing them. I use this to discourage spiders also. I do not feel bad about exterminating the bugs as they are an agricultural pest not native to our continent.
I hope this can be of some use especially since they have migrated down the eastern seaboard to NC at least.
Are you killing my friends and entertainment?
I have several in my house and smell if you squish them. my cat just paws them a couple of times and gets bored.
They seem harmless unless my cat knocks over a lamp chasing one, lol.
Are you killing my friends and entertainment?
I have several in my house and smell if you squish them. my cat just paws them a couple of times and gets bored.
They seem harmless unless my cat knocks over a lamp chasing one, lol.
I’ve been reading about this bug. I’m from Fresno California and stayed in my 5th wheel in Eugene OR in October 2017. Over these months we fist found live bugs. Then dead ones but now today in our RV I killed 2 live ones. 3.2.2018. I am currently in corona California. I only looked this bug up tonight after i found live ones again.
hi really like how you put so much details