Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys

IPM Steps to Reduce Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB)

1. Sample for Pest

Where to find it while inspecting: Indoors, stink bugs will emerge from cracks under or behind baseboards, around window and door trim, and around exhaust fans or lights in ceiling; you won’t have to look for them, they may come to you. They prefer to overwinter indoors, so you may see them year round. Outdoors, BMSB is a pest of many vegetables and fruits.

2. Proper ID

Size and Particulars: Adults 1/2–5/8", marbled browns in color, light banding on antennae, abdomen and legs. Shield-shaped. Nymphs 1/8–1/2" with red eyes: coloring orange and black in early instars, black is more dominant in later and red fades (also light banding on antennae). NOTE: there are multiple bugs (stink bugs and others) with similar looks and tendency to become structural pests: Western conifer seed bug, boxelder bug, brown stink bug, dusky stink bug, four-humped stink bug. All are annoying but not as notorious for crop damage.

3. Learn the Pest Biology

Life Cycle: Adults overwinter and generally become active in April, mating and laying clusters of 20–30 eggs on the undersides of leaves from May through August. Eggs hatch in 4–5 days after deposit. Nymphs go through 5 instars. Generally one generation per year.

Preferred Food Sources: Many ornamental plants and trees. Adults prefer fruits while nymphs feed on leaves, stems and fruits. BMSB is becoming a major pest problem with fruit growers throughout the U.S.

Preferred Habitat: As a structural pest, they are often found in large groups in the fall as they prepare for protective habitat for winter, and without proper exclusion, they find their way in to wall voids around windows and doors, outlets, light fixtures, etc. A favorite entry is the small gaps around window air conditioners.

4. Determine Threshold

Threshold: Finding more than one or two probably means there’s a need to check for entry and improve exclusion. A very large number could be gathering in areas such as crawl spaces, wall voids, above false ceilings. They prefer the sunny side of a building.

5. Choose Tactics

Best Management Practices: Prevention by exclusion is key. Once an entry is found, it will be used. BMSB is attracted to lights and often will take advantage of nearby gaps you will never see without examination. If they have entered a room, isolate the room as much as possible. NOTE: Vacuuming live or dead bugs is a solution to removal but has a risk of contaminating the vacuum hose with a noxious odor! When very large numbers are gathered in the surrounding landscape, treatment options may include pesticide applications around the perimeter, particularly eaves, soffits, roof vents, flashing, chimneys, and around doors and windows. However, this is an extreme measure and must be made with much detail to safety and concern for air quality and exposure risk.

Treatment Methods: In some cases, the use of a trap light employing a glue board will reduce numbers. NOTE: heat from the light unit may increase the odor when these insects release scent under stress. The best treatment is prevention. Prepare for possible problems before the fall.

6. Evaluate

Was the tactic successful? Record the date pests were first noted, and the tactic you used, and its success. Use one of our RECORD KEEPING tools.

For More Information

The Unwelcome House Guest: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug—A Guide for Residents, Property Managers, and Pest Management Professionals

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug video

Remember:

When a pesticide application is necessary, all necessary and required precautions are taken to minimize risk to people and the environment and to minimize risk of pesticide resistance or pest resurgence. Pesticide use in your school may be prohibited or regulated by local policies or state and federal regulations. Risk reduction methods can include, but are not limited to, spot-treatment, the use of gel or paste bait formulations placed in inaccessible locations, injection into a crack or crevice, and other methods that reduce potential exposure.