The brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive pest that has multiplied in great numbers since their accidental introduction to the eastern part of the United States in the 1990’s. Due to the lack of pesticides to kill the insects and the lack of knowledge about their habits, the brown marmorated stink bug has spread into 36 states according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Stink bugs do not bite human or pets, nor do they destroy property. They do however feast upon fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants in orchards a well as those in residential areas. The mid-Atlantic area has been hit hardest by these pests and scientists are working hard on a solution to control them as they pose an immediate danger to fresh food supplies in the United States.
Recognizing the massive problem that these stink bugs are creating in the United States, the EPA has been working with other government agencies on coming up with a solution to control the pests, mostly in the agricultural arena. While still promoting Integrated Pest Management procedures, the EPA has approved requests for 18 exemptions for certain insecticides to be used on fruit trees in various areas so that crops will not be destroyed.
Many NJ home and business owners have been subject to the massive onslaught of stink bugs during the early fall. As temperatures begin to drop, the pests tend to gather on the outside of structures as they look for a proper place to spend the cold winter months. According to IPM Insights on August 27, 2012, a postdoctoral research associate with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service has been studying these invasive pests to see if here are also natural landscaping sites that the brown marmorated stink bug chooses to overwinter. Finding natural landscaping sites could help scientists eliminate the pests before they emerge in the springtime to destroy their desired crops.
Please check back on Monday for the conclusion.