Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Natural Habitat

Agricultural fields, orchards, gardens, and urban/suburban environments. They often overwinter in homes and other structures.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of plants, including fruits (apples, peaches, pears, berries), vegetables (corn, tomatoes, beans, peppers), and ornamental plants, by piercing the plant tissue with their mouthparts and sucking out plant juices.

Behavior Patterns

Known for their aggregation behavior, especially in the fall when they seek sheltered overwintering sites, often congregating in large numbers on and inside buildings. They release a pungent odor when disturbed or crushed, which is a defense mechanism.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily considered an agricultural pest, causing significant damage to crops. They do not pose a direct physical risk to humans but can be a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers. No significant benefits to ecosystems are widely recognized; they are an invasive species in many regions.

Identified on: 9/25/2025