Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Native to East Asia; invasive in North America and Europe. Found in orchards, gardens, and agricultural fields during the growing season. In autumn and winter, they seek shelter inside human-made structures like homes, attics, and sheds.

Polyphagous herbivore feeding on the juices of over 100 plant species including tree fruits (apples, peaches), vegetables (corn, tomatoes, peppers), legumes, and ornamental trees.

Known for seeking warmth indoors as temperatures drop in the fall to enter diapause (hibernation-like state). They aggregate in groups and fly erratically with a loud buzzing sound. When threatened or crushed, they release a pungent, unpleasant odor through scent glands.

Risks: A major agricultural pest that damages crops, rendering fruit unmarketable. A significant household nuisance due to their tendency to invade homes in large numbers. Benefits: None in invasive regions. Note: They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases to humans or pets.