Issue 1, April 24, 2018
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Update
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is old news for many Illinois residents by now. While it is quickly becoming the time of year where these insects are found outdoors, we receive many reports over the winter months when they overwinter in homes.
Discovered in Illinois in 2010, BMSB has now been confirmed in 48 counties (figure 1). We suspect it is much wider spread than this, but have not had samples or photos submitted from unconfirmed counties. We encourage the reporting of this insect in unconfirmed counties. As numbers increase throughout the state (figure 2), we also expect to see injury to host plants commonly found in gardens and crops.
Figure 1. Confirmed locations for brown marmorated stink bug in Illinois.
Figure 2. Brown marmorated status in Illinois counties.
Figure 3. Identifying characteristics of the brown marmorated stink bug.
As a quick refresher, BMSB is distinct in appearance from other common stink bugs in Illinois (figure 3). As we get into gardening season, we"ll review injury symptoms from BMSB. As we transition from winter to spring (who thought we"d be saying that at the end of April?!?!), keep your eyes peeled for this insect as they transition from their overwintering locations to host plants outdoors. (Kelly Estes)
Author:
Kelly Estes