The brown marmorated stink bug, an invasive species, has become a nuisance in many parts of the United States.
As you might wonder about its origin, it is native to Eastern Asia, specifically China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.
The bug first made its appearance in the U.S. near Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 2001, but it is believed to have been in the country for a few years before being officially identified.
These stink bugs can wreak havoc on various plants, as they are known to feed on fruits, seeds, stems, and leaves.
With their distinct shield shape and brown mottling, adult bugs can grow between 14 and 17 mm long, roughly the size of a U.S. dime.
Understanding where this bug originated can help us address the issues they cause and find effective ways to manage their presence in various environments.
Where Did the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Come From? Origins of the Pest
The brown marmorated stink bug, or Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive species that has become a nuisance and a pest in many parts of the world.
Its origins can be traced back to Asia, specifically countries like China, Japan, and Korea. Their introduction to other countries has caused significant disruptions to native ecosystems and agricultural industries.
These bugs gained international attention when they were accidentally brought to the United States in the late 1990s.
They were first identified near Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 2001, but it’s believed they were already present in the area for a few years prior to their discovery (Hoebeke and Carter 2003).
Since then, their presence has spread rapidly across the Eastern and Midwestern United States, as well as Canada.
To give you a better understanding of the brown marmorated stink bug, here are some key characteristics:
- Shield-shaped body with brown mottling
- Length between 14 and 17 mm, similar to the size of a U.S. dime
- Alternating broad light and dark bands on abdominal edges and last two antennal segments
- Adult females lay clusters of 20-30 light green or yellow elliptical-shaped eggs from May through August .
The brown marmorated stink bug is known to feed on a wide variety of plants, including fruits, seeds, stems, and leaves, causing damage to crops and ornamental plants alike.
If you encounter these bugs in your garden or home, it’s essential to take proper pest control measures to prevent their spread and minimize the damage they can cause.
Entry into United States
The brown marmorated stink bug found its way into the United States in the mid-1990s.
These bugs are believed to have entered the country as hitchhikers in shipping containers, settling in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
It wasn’t until 2001 that they were officially identified by experts1. This insect has now spread throughout various states, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region2.
The dispersion of brown marmorated stink bugs in the United States has led to significant consequences for agriculture and residential areas.
They feed on and damage a wide range of crops, resulting in significant losses for farmers3. In residential settings, they can be a nuisance, as they enter homes during the fall seeking warm, protected spaces to overwinter4.
Characteristics
Physical Features
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is an invasive species with distinctive characteristics:
- Shield-shaped body
- Brown mottling
- Size: 14-17 mm (about the size of a U.S. dime)
- Alternating broad light and dark bands on abdominal edges and antennae
These features make it easier for you to identify them in your surroundings.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of the BMSB consists of three stages:
- Eggs: From May to August, adult females lay clusters of 20-30 light green or yellow, elliptical-shaped eggs on plants.
- Nymphs: After hatching, the nymphs go through five stages before becoming adults. They vary in color, including red, black, and white, depending on their stage.
- Adults: Adult brown marmorated stink bugs fully mature during the fall months.
Common Behavior
The BMSB exhibits nuisance behavior as it searches for wintering sites, invades buildings, and emits a pungent odor when disturbed or crushed.
During the winter months, you might find them:
- Inside your home, seeking warmth
- In cracks and crevices
- Clustered around heat sources
In addition to being a nuisance, these bugs can cause significant damage to plants by feeding on fruits, seeds, stems, and leaves.
While they are destructive to plants and crops, brown marmorated stink bugs are not dangerous to humans; they do not bite or sting.
Effect on Agriculture
Damage to Crops
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a notorious pest that wreaks havoc on a variety of fruits and vegetables.
In your garden, you may notice the damage to crops like apples, peaches, tomatoes, and peppers.
These pests pierce the surface of fruits and vegetables, which leads to deformities and discoloration.
Some examples of crops affected by BMSB include:
- Apples
- Peaches
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Grapes
- Soybeans
- Corn
- Beans
Impact on Industry
The impact of BMSB on the agriculture industry is significant. Farmers and specialty crop growers face challenges in controlling this pest, particularly because of its broad range of host plants.
Not only does it affect fruit and vegetable production, but it also targets field crops like corn and soybeans.
A comparison of how BMSB affects different aspects of agriculture:
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Fruit Production | Deformities and discoloration in fruits like apples |
| Vegetable Production | Damage to crops like tomatoes and peppers |
| Field Crops | Attacks on corn and soybean crops |
| Industry | Financial burden on farmers and specialty crop growers |
Management Strategies
Preventive Actions
To protect your home and garden from the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), it’s crucial to take preventive measures. Examples of such steps are:
- Seal openings: Inspect doors, windows, pipes, and chimneys for gaps, and use caulk or sealant to close them.
- Install screens: Place screens over windows, vents, and other access points to keep BMSB out.
- Inspect plants: Regularly check your plants for signs of infestation and remove any stink bugs you find.
Controls and Solutions
In case of a BMSB infestation, several control methods can be employed, such as:
- Traps: Use commercially available stink bug traps or DIY solutions to catch them.
- Insecticides: Apply insecticides like pyrethrin to affected areas, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Soapy water: A mixture of water and soap can be used to kill stink bugs on contact.
- Vacuum cleaner: Suck up stink bugs using a vacuum cleaner, but remember to dispose of the bag to avoid reinfestation.
Note: Foggers are generally not recommended for long-term management of BMSB infestations.
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Current Efforts in States
States like Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Oregon, and Michigan are actively involved in BMSB management and research, collaborating with the EPA to develop effective strategies. Efforts include:
- Monitoring the spread and impact of BMSB on agriculture.
- Investigating biological control methods, such as introduction of predator species.
- Informing the public on ways to prevent and control BMSB infestations.
Effects on Homes and Urban Structures
The brown marmorated stink bug, a pest originally from East Asia, has become a nuisance in homes, buildings, and structures across the United States.
During the fall, these bugs are attracted to the warmth of your home. They seek out protected areas to overwinter, often entering houses in large numbers. Once inside, they can cause several issues for homeowners like you.
- Odor: When disturbed or crushed, these bugs release a pungent odor that can permeate your living space.
- Crop damage: If you grow fruits and vegetables near your home, the stink bugs can cause significant damage, as they suck plant juices from fruits, seed pods, and nuts.
Below is a comparison table summarizing pros and cons of a method for controlling stink bugs.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Sealing entry points | Simple approach to prevent bugs from entering | Time-consuming; may not block all entry points |
So, while these pesky bugs can create issues in your home and urban structures, there are measures you can take to manage them effectively.
Other Relevant Details
Plant Species Affected
Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) are known to feed on a wide variety of plants. For example, they can cause damage to fruits, seed pods, and nuts, affecting popular plant species like pears, apples, and vegetables.
Furthermore, they can also harm ornamental plants in North America. From May to August, these pests can severely damage host plants by piercing their leaves to extract juices.
Predators and Parasites
Naturally, BMSB have their own predators and parasites, which can help control their populations.
Here is a small list of such predators:
- Insects:
- Spiders
- Ladybugs
- Predatory thrips
- Lacewings
- Sand wasps
- Red velvet mite
- Crickets
- Katydids
- Ground beetles
- Earwigs
- Assassin bugs
- Predatory stink bugs
- Parasitic flies
- Mantids
- Jumping spiders
- Minute pirate bugs
- Damsel bugs
- Chickens
- Bats
- Rats
You can encourage the presence of these natural predators in your garden to keep it free of the dreaded BMSBs
Stink Bugs and Pets
Although BMSB may seem like a concern for plant life, they are generally not harmful to pets. While the bugs may release a strong odor when disturbed or crushed, this smell is not dangerous to animals.
However, it’s still preferable to keep your pets away from these pests when possible, as the stink bug’s smell can be quite unpleasant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the brown marmorated stink bug, native to Eastern Asia, has become a significant nuisance in the United States since its accidental introduction in the late 1990s.
Recognizable by its shield shape and brown mottling, this invasive species poses a threat to a variety of plants, including important agricultural crops.
Its rapid spread and impact on both agriculture and residential areas underscore the importance of effective management strategies to control its population and mitigate damage.
Understanding its origin, characteristics, and behavior is crucial in developing and implementing these strategies.
Footnotes
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug | US EPA ↩
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug | Ohioline – Ohio State University ↩
- Brown marmorated stink bug | UMN Extension ↩
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug – Penn State Extension ↩
5 Comments. Leave new
It sounds very promising, but I hope thorough research is done. There have certainly been cases where species (plants, insects, etc.) have been introduced to help control the population of an invasive species, who ended up becoming an invasive species themselves. They also really need to make sure this wasp will play nice with our native wasps. Is there a picture of this wasp anywhere?
They’re everywhere here too – hamlet of Mulino, between Molalla and Oregon City – I’ve vacuumed up hundreds suddenly in the last few days. I think we’re screwed.
Here’s a good report from the OSU extension people:
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/hermiston/sites/default/files/7_nwiman.pdf
Thanks for the excellent link.
They’re everywhere here too – hamlet of Mulino, between Molalla and Oregon City – I’ve vacuumed up hundreds suddenly in the last few days. I think we’re screwed.
Here’s a good report from the OSU extension people:
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/hermiston/sites/default/files/7_nwiman.pdf
how do you get rid of them they are killing my apple and plum trees, there in my house there every where . PLEASE HELP