Production Blog

New Stink Bug Expands Range

Keep an eye out for this invasive insect this summer. Larger than other stink bugs, it can feed on agricultural crops. Scientists are asking for help to track its spread. (DTN photo courtesy of Michael Jeffords)

DECATUR, Ill. (DTN) -- Farmers are being asked to keep eyes peeled and collection bottles at the ready this summer. The brown marmorated stink bug is continuing to expand its geographic range. Entomologists need specimens to study and document the spread of this pest that can be both a nuisance and an agricultural threat.

The latest confirmation of infiltration comes from Missouri -- the 42nd state to officially report finding brown marmorated stink bug. First found in eastern Pennsylvania in 1998, the insect is native to Asia.

The prehistoric-looking critter is large compared to other stink bugs (about one-half inch at full growth), but has the typical shield-like body and is almost as wide as it is long. It has white stripes on its antennae and faint white bands on its legs and the outer edges of its abdomen. The most obvious clue is the odor the bug emits when disturbed.

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To the dismay of homeowners, this stink bug enjoys moving indoors to overwinter. So far, the pest has mostly done damage to agricultural crops in Mid-Atlantic states: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and West Virginia. It is causing near-catastrophic levels of damage to many horticultural crops including fruits, vegetables, wine grapes, and others, according to University reports. It has also been documented as a pest of soybeans, especially in Maryland, and is spreading south and westward. In less domesticated surroundings, the brown marmorated stink bug emerges from wooded areas and typically attacks the outside rows of crops.

George Hamilton, Rutgers University Extension specialist in pest management, said growers and homeowners can all contribute to better understanding the threat from this pest. If you find brown marmorated stink bugs, you can help with monitoring efforts by reporting your sighting here: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/….

Find a state-by-state map of outbreaks and severity here: http://www.stopbmsb.org/….

For more information about the brown marmorated stink bug, go to http://www.stopbmsb.org/….

Pamela Smith can be reached at pamela.smith@dtn.com

Follow Pamela Smith on Twitter @PamSmithDTN

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