Homeowners in the Northwestern U.S. asked to look for Asian stink bugs, invasive pest that is threat to fruit and soybean crops

Wanted, dead or alive: the brown-marmorated stink bug.

"We are asking homeowners in the Pacific Northwest to be on the lookout for these bugs, and if they think they have found any, to collect them and send to me or to take a digital image to e-mail to me," says E. Richard Hoebeke, a Cornell University senior extension associate in entomology.

This invasive pest (Pentatomidae: Halyomorpha halys) -- also known as the East Asian stink bug or yellow-brown stink bug -- has been infesting urban areas in four mid-Atlantic states. It poses a threat to apples, pears, peaches, figs, mulberries, citrus, persimmon and soy beans.

Hoebeke first identified the brown-marmorated stink bug in the United States in Allentown, Pa., in 2001. He surmises that the insect had hitchhiked in cargo containers from Asia. Since then the brown-marmorated stink bug has been identified in parts of New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware.

"We just got word, however, that a specimen was recently found in a bark beetle trap near Portland, Ore.," says Hoebeke, a taxonomist and assistant curator of the Cornell University Insect Collection, one of the world's largest insect repositories. "This has us very concerned that the stink bugs may now be in parts of the Pacific Northwest and perhaps elsewhere, but we need homeowners to help us look for them."

What to look for: Brown-marmorated stink bugs are shield-shaped, dark, "marbled" brown insects, about three-quarters of an inch long.
Unique markings include antennae with alternating dark and light patterns, alternating white and black markings along the rear edges of the abdomen, and patches of coppery or bluish metallic-colored punctures on the head and remainder of body.

Where to look: This time of year, the stink bugs are trying to find places to overwinter. Homeowners might find them on the exterior walls of buildings or around their doors and windowsills.

The bugs are harmless to humans but will emit a noxious odor when disturbed. The brown-marmorated stink bug is indigenous to Asia and is considered a major agricultural pest in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Already some Allentown area organic farmers have seen their fruit harvest heavily damaged by the invader.

"Before we can decide how best to counter the infestation, we need to assess to what extent this new pest species has invaded the United States," says Hoebeke. "That's where we need homeowners to help."

To contact Hoebeke, e-mail him at <erh2@cornell.edu> or call him at +1 (607) 255-6530.

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