The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is a known agricultural pest that the team at Urban Hawks is employed often to eradicate.
To help you understand more about this non-native pest, we discuss in this article what attracts them, where they are commonly found, the type and extent of damage they can cause, and what you should do if you suspect a brown stink bug infestation.
What attracts BMSB?
Several things can attract brown stink bugs, starting with other stink bugs! This species is notorious for reproducing rapidly during a regular life cycle, and is always seeking potential mates.
Male and female stink bugs rub their wings or legs against their abdomen to create a noise that attracts the attention of others. They are also drawn to a chemical cue; a distinct pheromone they release to alert potential mates to their presence.
Brown stink bugs like visual signals too such as UV light, or light from a building. With that in mind, it is always recommended to keep any outdoor lighting, particularly on commercial properties, to a minimum.
Finally, brown stink bugs are notorious agricultural pests and are primarily attracted to structures and properties close to fields, large gardens, orchards and other ornamental vegetation.
Where are they most commonly found?
Despite being native to southeast Asia, in countries such as China, Japan and Korea, globalisation has led to brown stink bugs being located on most continents. They can be commonly found in commercial properties, such as in ports in shipping containers or warehouses.
They are most often found in imported and exported goods between September and April when the weather is warmer. This period is known as the brown marmorated stink bug risk season.
During the autumn and winter months, the brown marmorated stink bug is known to enter properties, vehicles, and factories looking for a place to shelter until spring. It is in these spaces where most stink bugs are first discovered, and an infestation problem will become apparent.
What damage can BMSB cause?
When brown stink bugs are accidentally imported through cargo and shipping containers into countries where they are non-native, problems can start to arise.
While they are not harmful to humans or other animals, aside from the pungent smell they release when disturbed, they tend to wreak havoc in the agricultural sector.
These pests can cause untold damage to fruit crops such as apples, pears, and peaches, while fields of corn and soybeans are also laid to waste by this growing nuisance.
Given it takes just over a month for this pest to grow from an egg into an adult, it is clear to see why this species is a problem.
Once developed, they can lay more than 200 eggs in their lifetime and, unlike other pests, have no natural predators to keep the population at bay.
It is evident to see if a brown stink bug infestation has damaged vegetation because there will be visible pinpricks surrounded by yellow dots – which is where they have plunged their beaks in.
Softer fruits and vegetables, in particular, are targeted to drain their tissues and juices. They are left looking puckered, disfigured and unfit for consumption.
Corn will also often fall victim to this species, and when attacking this crop, bugs will create holes to remove the nutritional content of the developing kernels. Sadly, the crop becomes so damaged that the ear of corn will fail to fill out.
What to do if you think you have a BMSB infestation?
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug exists year-round, but it is most likely to be spotted once spring rolls around and they begin searching for food and potential mates. If you suspect that you have a brown stink bug infestation, it is vital that you don’t ignore the problem and wait for it to get worse.
We would always advise that you seek the services of a licenced, professional BMSB Fumigation specialist to assess and evaluate the problem, particularly if you have spotted the species near cargo ports, warehouses, or factories, because these are spaces they tend to take shelter in when its cold.
Trying to manage the problem yourself may only exacerbate the issue, especially if you disturb or squish the stink bugs. The chemical released when this happens is not only putrid in smell but can attract more species to the area.
To quickly and effectively eliminate the brown marmorated stink bug, pressurised gas fumigants should be used to eradicate the pest without issue.
Get in touch
Urban Hawks is proud to offer its Fumigill Fumigation Services and treatments for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug for customers throughout the UK.
We offer a service that guarantees a deep penetration of products, materials and building fabric to ensure complete eradication of pests at any stage in their life cycle.
Our treatments are devised to protect the health and safety of workers, while also preserving the integrity of cargo. That is why we make sure no toxic residues remain once the treatment is complete.
If you are concerned about Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
With more than 25 years’ experience, we are confident we can devise a solution to your pest problem.
If you would like to find out more about our specialist BMSB Fumigation Services, speak with a member of our team today by calling 0151 345 6854 or send an email to info@urbanhawks.co.uk