A Smelly, Worldwide Pest

Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is considered one of the worst invasive species that’s arrived in our country from Asia. First discovered in Pennsylvania in 2001, it’s now found in most of the US and has spread to other continents. In all cases, it’s a major pest of agriculture and difficult to control, requiring increases in pesticide use as it feeds on a wide variety of crops including fruits and vegetables. One reason this piercing and sucking insect has spread so rapidly is its use of man-made spaces for overwintering habitat. With the arrival of cold weather, it invades houses, causing great consternation in some cases as it releases noxious compounds when disturbed. By also seeking shelter in vehicles and shipping containers, it’s on its way to becoming a world-wide pest resulting in untold costs to growers, consumers, and homeowners.