Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

How to Identify Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Identifying the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is crucial for effective pest management. Here are specific and detailed characteristics to help farmers identify this pest:

Physical Characteristics:

Size and Shape:

Adult BMSBs are approximately 1.7 cm (0.67 inches) long.
They have a shield-shaped body, typical of stink bugs.

Coloration:

The body is mottled brown, with a marbled appearance.
The underside is pale, sometimes with a reddish tinge.

Antennae:

The antennae have distinctive white bands on the fourth and fifth segments.

Legs:

The legs also feature faint white bands.

Edges of the Abdomen:

The edges of the abdomen, visible from above, have alternating dark and light bands.

Life Stages:

Eggs:
- Eggs are light green, barrel-shaped, and laid in clusters of 20-30 on the underside of leaves.
Nymphs:
- Nymphs go through five instar stages.
- Early instars are small, round, and black with red markings.
- Later instars develop the characteristic shield shape and begin to show the mottled brown coloration.

Behavior and Damage:

Feeding:

BMSBs use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant juices.
Feeding results in pitting, scarring, and deformation of fruits and vegetables.

Aggregation:

BMSBs are known to aggregate in large numbers, especially in the fall when seeking overwintering sites.

Monitoring:

Visual Inspection:

Regularly inspect crops, especially the undersides of leaves, for eggs, nymphs, and adults.
Pay attention to the edges of fields and areas near wooded borders, as BMSBs often migrate from these areas.

Traps:

Use pheromone traps to monitor BMSB populations. These traps can help detect the presence and density of the pest.

Geographic Impact of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) has a significant geographic impact across the United States and Canada, affecting a wide range of agricultural regions. Here’s a detailed overview of its geographic impact:

United States:

Northeast:

States Affected: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and surrounding areas.
Impact: Severe damage to fruit crops like apples and peaches, as well as vegetables and ornamental plants.

Mid-Atlantic:

States Affected: Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Impact: Similar to the Northeast, with significant damage to fruit and vegetable crops.

Midwest:

States Affected: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and surrounding states.
Impact: Damage to corn, soybeans, and various fruit crops.

Southeast:

States Affected: Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Impact: Affects a variety of crops, including cotton, soybeans, and fruits.

West Coast:

States Affected: California, Oregon, and Washington.
Impact: Significant threat to high-value crops like grapes, tree fruits, and vegetables.

Other Regions:

States Affected: Spread to other states including Texas, Colorado, and Utah.
Impact: Emerging pest in these areas, with potential to cause significant agricultural damage.

Canada:

Ontario:

Impact: Damage to fruit crops, particularly apples and peaches, as well as vegetables.

Quebec:

Impact: Similar to Ontario, with a focus on fruit and vegetable crops.

British Columbia:

Impact: Threat to fruit crops, especially in the Okanagan Valley, a major fruit-growing region.

Other Provinces:

Impact: BMSB is spreading to other provinces, posing a potential threat to various crops.

General Impact:

Agricultural Damage: BMSB causes significant economic losses by feeding on a wide range of crops, leading to reduced yield and quality.
Residential Areas: BMSB is also a nuisance in residential areas, especially during the fall when they seek shelter in homes and buildings.
Ecological Impact: The spread of BMSB can disrupt local ecosystems and affect native species.

Management Challenges:

Rapid Spread: BMSB has a high reproductive rate and can quickly establish in new areas.
Diverse Host Range: Its ability to feed on over 170 plant species makes it a versatile and challenging pest to manage.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Effective management requires a combination of monitoring, chemical control, and biological control strategies.

Timing of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Emergence

The brown marmorated stink bug typically emerges and begins to impact fields across the United States and Canada in the spring, as temperatures start to rise. They become active when temperatures consistently reach around 60°F (15°C).

BMSB populations peak during the summer months, causing the most significant damage to crops from late spring through early fall. This period is critical for monitoring and managing BMSB populations to protect crops effectively.

How to Manage Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Farmers can manage the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) in various crops through a combination of monitoring, cultural practices, and chemical control.

Monitoring and Cultural Practices

Regular Scouting: Regularly inspect crops for signs of BMSB, including eggs, nymphs, and adults. Pay special attention to the undersides of leaves and the edges of fields.
Traps: Use pheromone traps to monitor BMSB populations and detect early infestations.
Sanitation: Remove weeds and other potential host plants near crop fields to reduce BMSB habitat.

Chemical Control

Fruit Crops (e.g., Apples, Peaches):

Product: Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC
Active Ingredient: Lambda-Cyhalothrin
Usage: Apply according to label instructions to control BMSB populations. This product is effective against a wide range of pests, including BMSB.

Vegetable Crops (e.g., Tomatoes, Peppers):

Product: Willowood Imidacloprid 4SC
Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid
Usage: Apply as a foliar spray or soil treatment to protect vegetable crops from BMSB. Follow label instructions for application rates and timing.

Field Crops (e.g., Soybeans, Corn):

Product: Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC
Active Ingredient: Lambda-Cyhalothrin
Usage: Use as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program to control BMSB in field crops. Apply when BMSB populations reach threshold levels.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Combination of Methods: Combine chemical control with cultural practices and biological control methods to manage BMSB effectively.
Rotate Insecticides: Rotate between different classes of insecticides to prevent resistance development.

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