Stink Bug Summit

A new IPM Working Group is taking aim at the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), a pest that was introduced from Asia in the 1990s and has since spread to all of the mid-Atlantic states.

During the growing season, BMSB feeds on tree fruit, ornamentals, hardwood trees, and soybeans. In the fall, the adult insects seek shelter indoors. Last year BMSB caused serious economic injury to fruit growers, and some schools were forced to cancel recess as insects swarmed around buildings.

In June 2010, the 30 working group members met in West Virginia to share their expertise about this pest, for which there is no established monitoring method or treatment threshold. Scientists, growers, Extension staff, a hotel manager, and a pest control company owner exchanged information on research, field observations, and stakeholder concerns. Together they established a set of priorities to address the growing problem.

The working group, which is supported by the Northeastern IPM Center, will meet again in November 2010 and hopes to secure funds for improving management of this increasingly important agricultural and urban pest.

The Northeastern IPM Center encourages integrated pest management for reducing risks to human health and the environment.