Brown marmorated stink bug, also known as Halyomorpha halys, is native to Asia and first appeared in the United States in the mid-1990s. Since then, it has spread to many regions of the country, causing significant damage to crops and becoming a nuisance in homes during the fall and winter months.

This insect is called a stink bug because of the odor it emits when it is disturbed or crushed. The odor comes from a gland located on the underside of its thorax, which releases a chemical that smells like coriander. Although the odor is unpleasant, it is not harmful to humans.

In the agricultural industry, the brown marmorated stink bug is a major pest that feeds on a wide range of host plants, including fruit trees, vegetables, and ornamentals. It has been reported to cause billions of dollars in crop damage in the US every year. The stink bug uses its piercing-sucking mouthparts to suck the sap out of fruits and vegetables, causing the fruit to become distorted, scarred, or discolored. In some cases, the damage is severe enough to cause the fruit to drop prematurely, reducing yields and quality.

The brown marmorated stink bug is most active from mid-spring to early fall and lays its eggs on the undersides of leaves. The eggs hatch into small, wingless nymphs that go through a series of molts before reaching adulthood. Adults are brownish-gray in color, with a mottled appearance on their backs that resembles marble. They are roughly the size of a penny and have six legs and a pair of antennae.

During the fall months, brown marmorated stink bugs start to seek shelter in homes and buildings in search of a warm place to spend the winter months. They can enter homes through cracks and crevices, windows, and doors. While they do not cause damage to homes, they can be a nuisance because of their odor and tendency to congregate in large numbers.

Managing brown marmorated stink bugs can be challenging because they have few natural predators in the US. Insecticides are often used to control them in agricultural settings, but they can be difficult to control in homes. The best way to prevent them from entering homes is to seal up cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and other entry points. Homeowners can also vacuum up stink bugs and dispose of them outside, but care should be taken not to crush them as this will release their odor.

In conclusion, the brown marmorated stink bug is a significant pest that causes damage to crops and is a frequent invader of homes during the fall and winter months. While managing this insect can be a challenge, early detection and prevention measures can help reduce their impact. Understanding their behavior and life cycle can also help homeowners and farmers manage their populations effectively.

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