Stink bugs are common pests in gardens but the brown marmorated stink bug, or BMSB, is of particular concern. BMSB (Halyomorpha halys) was first detected in Los Angeles County in 2006 and has since been detected in many other parts of California with large populations in some counties.

What does BMSB look like?

The adult BMSB is similar in shape to other stink bugs can be distinguished by the following characteristics:

• Two white bands on the antennae
• Forward edge of head is blunt
• Margin of the shoulder is smooth
• Legs are marbled brown with faint white bands
• Membranous parts of...

From the UCANR Green Blog

Scientists are rearing tiny Asian wasps in quarantine and evaluating whether they can be released in California to battle brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), an invasive pest that poses a serious threat to the state's $54 billion agricultural industry, they reported in the current issue of California Agriculture journal.

The wasp, Trissolcus japonicus, has scientists feeling hopeful, said Chuck Ingels, UC Cooperative Extension advisor in Sacramento...

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) or BMSB is a new invasive pest of urban and suburban homes and landscapes in California.

A native of Asia, the brown marmorated stink bug immigrated into the United States in the 1990s but has only recently been reported in California. The bug prefers to feed on seeds and fruits, so is most damaging to fruit crops; however, it is a polyphagous feeder that may feed on fruit, leaves, or seeds of many ornamental plants as well.

Landscape managers may become most aware of this new pest in the fall when it aggregates in very large numbers on trees or within dwellings, often becoming a nuisance pest.

For more information about the brown marmorated stink bug, read the...

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan) which was first sighted in the United States in 1996 in Allentown, PA, and reached California in 2006 (Pasadena and San Marino). It is currently established in several regions in California including Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Yolo, Sutter, Butte, and Siskiyou counties.

Since its introduction, BMSB has spread to 38 states on the East and West Coasts, where it has caused damage to fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. BMSB is also a significant nuisance pest for residents and businesses, since it may invade structures in large numbers for overwintering during...