Mar-mor-a-ted-what???
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) can become a serious nuisance pest when large numbers are able to invade your home in the fall.
The word marmorated means having a marbled or streaked appearance; which is fitting since BMSB adults are about 1/2 inch long and have
shades of brown on both the upper and lower body surfaces.
BMSBs can be identified by looking for white stripes on the antennae, alternating bands of brown and white on the other edges (lower left and right) of the abdomen; and faint white bands are also on the legs.
Where did they come from?
The BMSB (Halyomorpha halys), is a plant pest, that was accidentally introduced into the United States from Japan, Korea, and China. It first was seen in 2001 in Allentown, PA, but since, it has spread throughout the Mid-Atlantic States and is very slowly moving South.
Eat your Fruits & Veggies – Before they do!
The BMSB feeds on crops by sucking the juices out of the inside tissues with its straw-like mouth (stylets). This feeding not only causes direct damage to the crop, but pathogenic bacteria and yeast can be transmitted causing rot.
What to do and NOT to do
Yes
- Perform a “light leak test” and seal up any cracks and crevices
- Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from your home’s foundation to keep from attracting pests.
- If your home has a fireplace, cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out pests.
- To get rid of dead (and alive) BMSB, hand-pick them up and toss them back outside. They may release the “stink” when they are threatened – so be gentle.
No
- Don’t squish them – they release a very foul odor – kind of like the powerful smelling spice – coriander.
- Do not leave a bunch of dead MBSB around as they will still stink and can attract other insect pests and they can stain surfaces.
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