Brown marmorated stink bugs have become a common sight in recent years, particularly in some areas of the United States.
These insects, often found in gardens and agricultural fields, are notable for their distinctive odor when crushed or threatened, raising concerns for many about their potential to bite or harm humans.
Fortunately, brown marmorated stink bugs do not bite people or pets, nor do they transmit disease or cause physical harm.
Instead, they possess piercing-sucking mouthparts with a straw-like stylet for feeding on plant juices.
Some individuals may experience sensitivities to allergens emitted by stink bugs, but overall, these insects are not harmful to humans.
Understanding Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
History and Origin
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is an invasive pest species from East Asia. Its native range includes countries like China, Korea, and Japan.
It was accidentally introduced to the United States, with the first appearance in the Portland area in 2004.
Physical Characteristics
- Scientific Name: Halyomorpha halys
- Adult size: 14-17mm (around the size of a U.S. dime)
- Shape: Shield-shaped with brown mottling
- Identifiable marks: Alternating broad light and dark bands on abdominal edges and last two antennal segments
Lifecycle and Reproduction
From May to August, adult female BMSB lays clusters of 20-30 light green or yellow eggs on various surfaces.
They have piercing-sucking mouthparts and feed on leaves, stems, fruits, pods, and seeds across a wide range of plants.
BMSB Eggs
Feeding Habits
Brown marmorated stink bugs are known to feed on a wide range of plants, causing damage to various crops. Their feeding habits include:
- Piercing-sucking mouthparts: they use their straw-like stylet to suck plant juices
- Preference for reproductive structures: like fruits, pods, and seeds
Some of their common targets are:
- Fruits: apples and peaches
- Vegetables: tomatoes and soybeans
- Nuts: hazelnuts
- Grains: corn
- Ornamental plants
Seasonal Patterns
These stink bugs exhibit specific seasonal patterns that define their behavior:
- Spring: They emerge from hibernation and become active outdoors, feeding on plants and crops
- Winter: They seek shelter indoors, often in attics, for hibernation
Brown marmorated stink bugs are pests and can be a nuisance to humans.
During hibernation, they may enter homes to find warmth and shelter.
It is crucial to monitor their presence and take preventative measures to keep them from infesting your living spaces.
Do Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Bite or Sting?
Brown marmorated stink bugs are known for their unpleasant odor, but do they bite or sting? The answer is no.
These insects possess piercing-sucking mouthparts designed to extract plant juices.
Their mouthparts are straw-like stylets, not suited for biting human skin or drawing blood.
In fact, they rely on foul odors as a defense mechanism, rather than biting or stinging.
Both adult and juvenile stink bugs produce acrid scents to dissuade predators from targeting them.
Their approach proves quite effective – very few predators want to eat something that smells terrible.
So, while brown marmorated stink bugs emit an awful smell, they pose no direct harm to humans through biting or stinging.
Preventing and Controlling Stink Bug Infestations
Home Protection Measures
Brown marmorated stink bugs can enter homes through small gaps and openings. To prevent their entry, seal gaps around doors and windows using caulk.
Also, consider installing screens on vents and windows. Check walls and corners for cracks and seal them to prevent infestations.
Regularly vacuuming can help remove stink bugs from inside your house.
When vacuuming, use a vacuum cleaner with a bag to trap them and dispose of it outside to prevent the spread of the odor they release.
Outdoor Prevention Methods
Keep gardens clean and weed-free to reduce potential hiding spots for the stink bugs.
Additionally, maintain ornamental plants as they can serve as a habitat for pests. Removing debris and tall weeds can minimize their presence around your home.
Traps can also be used to monitor and control stink bug populations in the outdoor areas.
Commercial traps or homemade ones using soapy water can be effective in catching both adult and nymph stink bugs.
Natural Predators and Control Options
Introducing predatory insects like flies and predatory stink bugs can help control the population of brown marmorated stink bugs.
These predators feed on their eggs and nymphs, thus keeping the pests in check.
In some cases, insecticides may be necessary for severe infestations, especially for agricultural use.
Farmers dealing with brown marmorated stink bugs as an agricultural pest can use specific insecticides to protect their crops, such as apricots, Asian pears, and grapes.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Home sealing | Prevents entry of stink bugs, energy-efficient | Time-consuming, may miss some gaps |
| Regular vacuuming | Easy to do, reduces the number of stink bugs in the house | Requires frequent disposal of vacuum bags, not 100% effective |
| Garden maintenance | Reduces hiding spots, enhances overall garden appearance | Can be labor-intensive, may not eliminate all stink bugs |
| Traps | Can be placed anywhere, effective in catching stink bugs | Needs regular maintenance, unsightly |
| Natural predators | Eco-friendly, reduces chemical insecticides usage | Takes time to establish, may not guarantee complete control |
| Insecticides | Effective in controlling severe infestations, protects crops | Chemical exposure risk, potential harm to the environment |
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Conclusion
The brown marmorated stink bug, an invasive species from East Asia, has become a significant concern for agriculture and homeowners alike.
While they don’t bite or sting humans, their feeding habits can damage crops and plants. Their tendency to seek shelter indoors during winter months can also make them a household nuisance.
Various control methods, from sealing homes to introducing natural predators, are employed to manage their populations. Understanding their behavior and impact is essential for effective control and coexistence.
Footnotes
13 Comments. Leave new
Invasive species =/ I think they’re from Japan.
Not harlequin bug. Their eggs are marked with dark bands.
Instead, they’re the recent nasty immigrant, BMSB; aka brown marmorated stink bug!
Destroy as soon as seen.
Thanks so much for the correction Jean.
The brown marmorated stink bug is an agricultural pest that can cause widespread damage to fruit and vegetable crops. Also, it’s on priority list of DOA(Department of Agriculture) for their control.
I live in Italy, I think this is the bug that is persistent in my garden, we are organic, so I really don’t know how to deal with them, They love the sunflowers and the silverbeet….any suggestions.?
That’s a true bug and King of the forest. If you have this in your garden (as do I), then congratulate yourself. Your garden is healthy and vibrant. ❤️
With all due respect Holly, you are woefully misinformed. Here is what the Penn State University Department of Entomology has to say about the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: “This true bug in the insect family Pentatomidae is known as an agricultural pest in its native range of China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Recently, the BMSB has become a serious pests of fruit, vegetables and farm crops in the Mid-Atlantic region and it is probable that it will become a pest of these commodities in other areas in the United States.
BMSB becomes a nuisance pest both indoors and out when it is attracted to the outside of houses on warm fall days in search of protected, overwintering sites. BMSB occasionally reappears during warmer sunny periods throughout the winter, and again as it emerges in the spring.”
Noxious is definitely an understatement. With insects I usually use the “live and let live” mantra but I make exceptions for mosquitos, houseflies, and more recently these stink bugs (I leave the native ones alone)
Awww… Well darn. I have a shady yard and dogs (boy dogs who lift their legs) so I can’t grow veggies… I would feel differently if they are my produce.
But for now – they eat other bugs.
?
Are you maybe confusing the brown marmorated stink bug with a similar-looking predatory species like the spined soldier bug? Marmorateds only feed on plants to my knowledge…
Probably yes ❤️. My darling great niece and I caught one and did a report on it for the local zoo children’s program.
But really – I’m of that ‘if it’s a big, spider, snake – essentially a creature of the earth – I probably love it.’
Not to say some don’t make me nuts. And some I avoid and cannot for the life of me understand – ?
So, it’s fine that these bugs won’t harm you but how do you get rid of them.
It is getting pretty warm outside, and I read that they usually come inside during cold weather and occasionally in warm weather. Is there anyway to get them out quicker, without having to deal with the smell? I am in Ohio.