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Brown marmorated stink bug

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive species first identified in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 2001. It is believed that they first arrived in the United States in shipping containers from Asia.

Besides its pungent odor, the brown marmorated stink bug is most notorious for its annual habit of gathering in large numbers on sunny, warm exterior walls in late summer and fall, andslipping inside buildings through small openings in order to survive the winter. This leads to frustration and sometimes panic among property owners, particularly businesses in regulated industries. Professional brown marmorated stink bug control can be the fastest way to eliminate them from your building.

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About the brown marmorated stink bug

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is found across North America, especially in the Mid-Atlantic. This bug is infamous for the damage it causes to a wide range of crops, fruits, and ornamental plants, as well as the stress and anxiety from building invasions. Its rapid spread and lack of natural predators make it difficult to control without professional intervention.

Appearance

  • Size: Adults are approximately 17 mm (5/8 inch) long
  • Brownish grey color
  • They are the typical “shield” shape
  • Alternating dark & light colored bands on the last two segments of the antenna and exposed edges of the abdomen.

Lifecycle

  • Adults emerge from their overwintering sites in early May in the spring. After they feed for about two weeks, they mate, and the females begin to lay eggs.
  • Eggs are pale green, elliptical-shaped, and laid in clusters of 20-30 eggs on the undersides of leaves from June to August.
  • A single female can lay up to 400 eggs. Eggs hatch in three to seven days.
  • Nymphs range in size from 2.4 mm 1st instar nymphs to 12 mm 5th instar nymphs.
  • Dark red eyes; abdomen yellowish-red in 1st instar, off-white with reddish spots on abdomen of later instars.
  • The nymphs pass through five instars (sub-stages), with a molt between each instar. Each instar lasts about one week, before the final molt into the adult stage.
  • New adults start to appear in late July or August.

Habits

  • When handled or crushed, brown marmorated stink bugs release a foul-smelling secretion from glands on the top side of the thorax & underside of the abdomen.
  • Brown marmorated stink bugs feed on plants by piercing fruits and stems. Known food sources include: pear, peach, apricot, cherry, mulberry, persimmon, and apple trees; buddleia, honeysuckle, rosa rugosa, and abelia shrubs; raspberries and grapes; and legumes, including beans.

Brown marmorated stink bug control​

Ehrlich technicians have decades of experience providing stink bug control for homeowners and businesses across the U.S. We work around your schedule to minimize disruption to families, visitors, and staff. Our experts will find the best solution for your property and keep coming back until the issue is resolved.

If you want to know how to get rid of brown marmorated stink bugs, we can inspect your property. We'll identify egg clusters and nymph activity, then suggest long-term prevention options. Learn more about our stink bug control services for homes and businesses.

Frequently asked questions

No, brown marmorated stink bugs do not bite or sting humans. While they aren’t dangerous to people or pets, they can become a nuisance pest when they enter homes or businesses during cooler months to overwinter. Their presence in large numbers and their strong odor make them unpleasant, but they don’t cause structural harm.

This species can damage fruit, vegetable, and sweet corn crops. As it feeds, it pierces plant tissue, leaving small, discolored spots and deformed produce, which impacts crop yield and quality. Because of this, the brown marmorated stink bug is considered a major agricultural pest. If you’re dealing with other types of stink bugs, you can learn more about their habits and how they differ in our stink bug insights.

They are not toxic or harmful to pets. However, if a pet eats one, it may experience minor irritation or drooling due to the insect’s defensive secretion. The odor can also discourage pets from interacting with them again. If your pet shows signs of discomfort, consult your veterinarian for advice.

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A common question we get asked is if stink bugs can bite humans?