The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) has arrived in Illinois. For the last few years, the number of sightings has steadily increased in our state. This pest wreaks (and reeks) havoc on fruit and vegetable crops, in addition to woody plants, such as trees. Because the BMSB is not native to Illinois, it has few natural predators to keep it in check. Originally from Asia, this pest has made its way through the eastern United States too many Midwestern States. Damage from this pest includes injury on many fruit and vegetable crops and aesthetic damage to landscape trees and plants. Unlike other insect pests that feed for only a short period, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug will feed on host plants all season long. On fruit and vegetable hosts, it may begin feeding early in the season and continue until harvest time.
The piercing and sucking, which is done by the adult Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, is what causes the majority of damage. While the adult BMSB will feed on a wide variety of hosts, injury caused to fruit and vegetable crops is more widely reported. The adult BMSB inserts its mouthparts directly into the fruit or vegetable, causing discolored, shriveled and corky areas. This makes the fruit or vegetable unusable. BMSB host infestations include corn, soybeans, tomatoes, peppers, apples and peaches. In 2010, apple growers in the Mid-Atlantic region faced $37 million in damage caused by the BMSB. While much attention has been given to the damage done to fruit and vegetable crops, landscape plants are not immune to BMSB damage. Just to name a few, Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs will feed on the leaves, stems and fruit of Maple, Oak, Honeylocust, Crabapple and Elm trees. In addition, BMSB has been found on a wide variety of shrubs and common landscape perennials. Just as with fruits and vegetables, the adult BMSB feeds by piercing and sucking plant tissue. Because the BMSB is a relatively new pest to the United States, the full extent of its potential damage is still unknown.
Not only are they a pest for plants, many homeowners find them a nuisance. In the fall, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug begins searching for warm places to overwinter. The location chosen may be a home, where they remain until the following spring mating season. The smell and large number of insects are bothersome for homeowners that are invaded by the BMSB. While the BMSB is unsettling to find in a home, it does not cause any direct harm to people or pets. Click here for information on removing them from your home.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug should not be confused with native Stink Bug insects. Stink Bugs native to Illinois have natural predators that help control infestations. While BMSB looks similar in shape and size to the Brown Stink Bug, Assassin Bug and Squash Bug, there are a few distinguishing characteristics. The BMSB has a white banding on the antennae, unique pattern on the edge of its wings, a white abdomen underside and red eyes.
Control of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is difficult for many reasons. Not only are there limited natural predators, because the BMSB inserts its mouthparts directly into the host it bypasses most of the insecticide residue and is left unaffected. There are options that have had some control success. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has named the BMSB a top “invasive insect of interest”. Control options are currently being researched by the government. Illinois State officials are very interested in tracking the BMSB presence in the state. Click here to report a sighting and for more information on the BMSB in Illinois.
Have a Brown Marmorated Stink Bug story? Leave a comment!