An invasive species, the stink bug, officially called the brown marmorated stink bug, has no natural predator in this country. Presently, there are no viable strategies for control of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. Stink Bug Control. The Brown Marmorated stink bug is an invasive agricultural pest from Asia and first discovered in Pennsylvania in 1998. The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an Asian species that was introduced into Allentown, Pennsylvania around 1996 from China or Japan.In 2015 it was found in 42 states including Missouri. Even where insecticide is effective, repopulation occurs through migration from non-treated areas. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) has become firmly entrenched here in the U.S. After being accidentally introduced from Asia into Pennsylvania in the late 1990's, it has quickly spread across the country and become a major pest to both home owners and farmers alike. Since stink bugs often take up residence in areas flourishing with vegetation, stink bug control is sometimes necessary. Adult brown marmorated stink bugs are approximately 1.7 cm (0.67 in) long and about as wide, forming the heraldic shield shape characteristic of bugs in the superfamily Pentatomoidea.They are generally a dark brown when viewed from above, with a creamy white-brown underside. Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), a native pest of Asia, was first identified in North America in Pennsylvania in 2001.It has since spread throughout most of the United States. The noxious chemical flows from the two glands on the stink bug’s thorax. This immature brown marmorated stink bug is feeding on a hibiscus plant. Since then, stink bug populations have exploded and spread in over 17 known states since they have no natural predators in North America. It is a very serious pest that feeds on more than 100 different plant species. Since every yard or home is different, the Orkin technician will design a unique program for your situation. After their fist molt, these stink bugs start to take on more of the classic stink bug look. Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) [Scientific name: Halyomorpha halys] is an exotic pest that could cause major damage to agricultural crops, nursery stock and ornamental plants if it established in Australia.It’s also a nuisance because it seeks shelter in large numbers in buildings and equipment during the winter months. Distribution: The brown marmorated stink bug is native to Eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and Taiwan.The first documentation of this species in the United States occurred in Pennsylvania in 2001, although it is likely to have established as early as 1996. These pests don’t sting or bite, but they are aptly named. They get their name from a natural defense mechanism, which releases a sticky odor to deter predators. Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs that get into the home can be vacuumed up. The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is a voracious eater that damages fruit, vegetable, and nut crops in North America. Consider changing to a lower wattage yellow bulb may help deter them a bit. Control options Research continues to show that biological control is going to be the long-term strategy to control BMSB. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Host Specificity Tests Biological Scientist: Julio Medal Julio.Medal@FDACS.gov The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), was accidentally introduced in Pennsylvania in 1998 from Asia, probably in packing material. The brown marmorated stink bug is easily recognized by many because it’s invading our homes. But the pest, shown here feeding on an apple, is also a major economic threat to fruit crops, garden vegetables, and many ornamentals. By 2013 it had spread or been reported in 38 states, and it is has been intercepted several … The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is a voracious eater that damages fruit, vegetable, and nut crops in North America. by David Moore Manager of Technical Services and Board Certified Entomologist with contributions by Eric Smith, PhD, BCE. They get their name from a natural defense mechanism, which releases a sticky odor to deter predators. One potential method to control the bug in an agricultural setting may be to rely on the tendency of brown marmorated stink bugs to first focus on the edge of a crop to feed. The use of insecticides has very short-lived effect and there is evidence of resistance development. Overview. Since then, stink bug populations have exploded and spread in over 17 known states since they have no natural predators in North America. Overview. Also includes new videos to address recent developments in monitoring, trapping, management, and biological control. Stink bugs are commonly found throughout the United States in gardens and occasionally the home.