The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest that has become a significant issue for both agriculture and landscaping in the United States. Native to Asia, it was introduced in the mid-1990s and spread rapidly, largely due to its unique overwintering behavior. The BMSB seeks dark, dry areas like vehicles and buildings to overwinter, which has contributed to its widespread distribution. In Georgia, the pest has been reported in 95 locations and is well-established in the Piedmont region.
This pest feeds on over 170 plant species, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, making it a major agricultural and landscape threat. In addition to causing damage to crops, BMSBs are a nuisance as they aggregate and seek shelter in human-made structures during late fall. These bugs overwinter as adults in a state of diapause, remaining inactive throughout the winter months. In spring, they emerge to feed on developing flowers and fruits before laying eggs. The eggs are typically laid in clusters of about 28, and the nymphs pass through five instars before maturing into adults.
Adult BMSBs are shield-shaped, grey-brown insects with white bands on their antennae. They can live for up to 119 days and are capable of flying long distances—up to 3.7 miles in a month. In Georgia, BMSBs have two generations each year. The nymphs from overwintering adults mature into summer adults by late July or August, and these adults lay eggs that hatch into nymphs, which will eventually enter the overwintering stage.
Highly mobile, BMSBs can walk long distances and fly significant spans. They attack a variety of ornamental plants and trees, such as tree-of-heaven, flowering dogwood, and sweetgum. BMSB feeding leads to direct damage, including wilting, discoloration, and plant death. Indirect damage can also occur, as BMSBs transmit diseases like witches’ broom disease, which can stunt plant growth and cause deformities.
In the fall, BMSBs often invade homes and buildings, finding their way inside through cracks and crevices in windows and doors. Once indoors, the insects become a winter nuisance as they become active in the warmth of homes. The BMSB’s spread is further accelerated by its ability to hitchhike on vehicles and shipping containers, allowing it to rapidly move across the country.
Managing BMSB populations requires monitoring and control measures. Traps, including sticky traps and black pyramid traps baited with specific chemicals, can help detect and reduce BMSB numbers in affected areas. If necessary, insecticide treatments may be used, but repeated applications are often needed since the residual effect of most insecticides is short-lived.
Overall, the brown marmorated stink bug is a pervasive pest that poses a significant threat to agriculture, landscapes, and homes. Effective management strategies are essential to controlling this invasive species and minimizing its impact on both the environment and human activities. For more information contact the Madison County UGA Extension Office at uge1191@uga.edu or 706-795-2281.
