BMSB Season

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Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an exotic plant pest. This insect pest is a serious threat to Australia’s horticultural industries.

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a typical stink bug with a shield shaped body. Stink bugs emit a pungent odour when disturbed.

There are a number of Australian native stink bugs which are similar to BMSB. However, the distinct features of adult BMSB are the white bands on the antennae, sides of the abdomen and on the legs 

This nasty bug (Halyomorpha halys) is a hitchhiker, stowing away in all manner of imported goods and personal effects including suitcases. While it doesn’t pose a risk to human health, brown marmorated stink bug can breed up huge populations that become both a household nuisance as well as a major problem for our crop growers. It feeds on more than 300 hosts including fruit trees and woody ornamentals.

If it established in Australia, this pest would be extremely difficult and expensive to manage, since it isn’t easily controlled with pesticides and it eats a huge range of plants. It likes to hide in houses in cooler weather and, as the name suggests, also emits an offensive smell.