In the 1990’s Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) came from Asia to the eastern United States. They have since continued to spread to many states, including our own. BMSB are now found in almost every county across Washington State. While they are mostly just a nuisance to homeowners, they can cause much more serious consequences to agriculture. The United States Department of Agriculture, along with Washington State University and several other universities, are educating communities about this destructive stink bug and working on finding ways to control their spread.
First Step: Identification
There are a several beneficial native stink bug species that feed on crop damaging insects in Washington State, so accurate identification of BMSB is important. There are distinct characteristics that set BMSB apart, such as the thin white bands on antennae. Other distinct markings of BMSB can be found at the StopBMSB.org website.
Facts about BMSB
- Feeds on plants, causing damage and spreading diseases to fruit, vegetable and other plants.
- Does not sting or bite people or pets.
- Does not cause any structural damage to homes.
- Using pesticides in the home to control stink bugs is often ineffective.