BMSB home

Welcome to Michigan State University’s Brown Marmorated Stink Bug website

This site contains information and links for growers and homeowners about a new invasive pest in Michigan, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.

Background
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is an exotic pentatomid species native to Asia. Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension first found specimens in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1996.

In 1999, a specimen was found in a Rutgers University blacklight trap about 30 miles east of Allentown in Milford, New Jersey. Since that time, specimens have been identified in 29 states, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region but with additional populations in Oregon and Southern California. Midwestern populations of BMSB were found in Ohio in 2007, Illinois in 2009 and in Michigan in fall 2010. As with many other invasive species, the distribution is likely spread wider than reported.

What crops are affected?
Brown marmorated stinkbug has a host range of over 300 plants including many agricultural and ornamental crops. Feeding damage has been recorded in high value specialty crops including tomatoes, sweet peppers, raspberries, apples, peaches, pears and cherries as well as damage in corn and soybeans.

Status in Michigan
In fall 2010, BMSB was detected in Michigan for the first time. No additional specimens have been found in Michigan as of May 30, 2011.

What to do if you have a suspect BMSB?
Place it in a box (dry) with tissue paper or in white vinegar and mail or drop off to:
Howard Russell
Diagnostic Services
Michigan State University
101 Center for Integrated Plant Systems
East Lansing, MI 48824

Be sure to include with the specimen the location where you found the insect and your name and contact information (email or phone if no email). See additional tips for submitting insects for identification to MSU Diagnostic Services.

Recent updates at MSUE News for Agriculture

• IPM and mating disruption in the age of brown marmorated stink bug
• How to identify a brown marmorated stink bug
• Tracking the spread of two new invasive insect pests in Michigan vegetable fields
  

Adult brown marmorated stinkbug with
antennal markings circled.