Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)

Natural Habitat

Native to East Asia but invasive worldwide; commonly found in agricultural crops, orchards, and seeking shelter inside homes during cooler months.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous herbivore; feeds on a wide variety of plants including fruits (apples, peaches), vegetables (corn, tomatoes), and ornamental plants by piercing the skin and sucking out juices.

Behavior Patterns

Known for releasing a foul odor when threatened or crushed. They aggregate in large numbers in late autumn to overwinter inside buildings, often entering through small cracks in windows and doors.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Major agricultural pest causing aesthetic damage to fruits and vegetables. Nuisance pest in homes due to unpleasant smell and sheer numbers. Benefits: None significant in introduced ranges, though they are a food source for some predators like parasitic wasps.

Identified on: 2/14/2026