Description
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is designated an unwanted organism in Aotearoa New Zealand. The BMSB is an agricultural, horticultural and social pest. It is native to Asia and has spread throughout North America and Europe. It isn’t established in Aotearoa New Zealand but has been caught at our border many times.
The BMSB feeds on more than 300 plant species. If established in Aotearoa New Zealand, it could decimate our fruit and vegetable industries.
During autumn and winter, thousands of bugs can enter houses to shelter from the cold. When they are disturbed, they release a foul-smelling liquid, which can make your house hard to live in.
Adult BMSBs are a brown “shield” shape and about the size of a 10-cent coin. The easiest way to identify them is from the white bands on their antennae and alternating black and white markings on their abdomens. BMSBs have an underside that is white or tan in colour. BMSB eggs are light green, shaped like barrels, and are usually in clusters of 20 to 30.
What to do if you find a stink bug
If you think you’ve found a BMSB:
- don’t kill it
- catch it
- take a photo.
Call Biosecurity New Zealand immediately on 0800 80 99 66 or submit a report using the online form: report.mpi.govt.nz/pest