Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Pest Description

• adults: ~ 5/8 inch long; brown/gray in color; shield-shaped
• alternating white and black bands on antennae; smooth shoulders (no spines)
• black and white alternating pattern surrounding wings
• nymphs: smaller with orange and black markings
• eggs: white, round and laid in clusters of 20-30 on leaf undersides

Host Plants, Diet & Damage

• broad host range: ornamentals, fruits, vegetables, crops, weeds, etc.
• stipple leaves causing yellow spotting
• cat-facing on fruits and deformation of vegetables
• major nuisance pests in structures
• emit an unpleasant odor when smashed

Biology, Life Cycle & Damaging Life Stage

• overwinter as adults in structures or in hidden places outdoors
• adults become active April through May and feed prior to egg laying
• eggs are laid continuously throughout the growing season
• two generations per year
• immatures and adults are the damaging stages

IPM Recommendations

• Manage trees to improve or maintain health.
• Monitor ornamentals and other plants starting in April.
• Stink bug damage to ornamentals can be tolerated.
• Apply an insecticide (pyrethroid) to ornamentals when adults or nymphs are present.
• If sighted, report this pest here.

For more information, see our Brown Marmorated Stink Bug fact sheet.