BMSB in the News

February 23, 2021 How Tiny Wasps Became Agricultural Defenders

Scientists are studying how different species of wasps can be used for insect biocontrol in the United States. Source: Smithsonian Magazine, Feb. 23, 2021.

December 29, 2020 Biological Control of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Targeted by Samurai Wasp

The samurai wasp—a tiny wasp that lays its eggs into the eggs of stink bugs—has made its way to North America. After discovering it in Michigan in 2018, researchers began a program to rear and redistribute more of this important parasitoid in the state. Source: Fruit Growers News, Dec. 29, 2020.

October 2, 2019 Simpler Trap for Monitoring Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Eyed

A new study establishes the reliability of a simpler, more cost-effective monitoring trap for brown marmorated stink bugs, which may make it easier for growers and integrated pest management professionals to decide if and when management methods are necessary. Source: Fruit Growers News, Oct. 2, 2019.

August 19, 2019 Severe Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Damage in California Orchard

Last May, a Turlock, CA, almond grower noticed nearly all the nuts on a row of trees in his orchard had fallen to the ground. UCCE Integrated Pest Management advisor Jhalendra Rijal determined the cause was an infestation of brown marmorated stink bug. Source: Fruit Growers News, Aug. 19, 2019.

March 12, 2019 Samurai Wasps Say, "Smell Ya Later, Stink Bugs"

Scientists are investigating a new tactic in the war on the brown marmorated stink bug: the possibility of relying on one of the bug’s natural enemies, the samurai wasp. Watch this video for a close-up view of stink bugs and samurai wasps in action. Source: KQED “Deep Look”, Mar. 12, 2019.

December 17, 2018 Why Taxonomic Preparedness Is Critical for Invasive Species Response

In the latest issue of American Entomologist, a team of scientists tells their story about how they sprang into action to investigate natural enemies of the brown marmorated stink bug. Source: Entomology Today, Dec. 17, 2018.

August 23, 2018 A Local Researcher Is Breeding an Army of Wasps to Devour Invasive Stink Bugs

The brown marmorated stink bug—already the scourge of the Northeast—is also in Washington. And it might move in with you this winter. A WSU researcher is breeding tiny samurai wasps in an effort to fight the pests. Source: The Seattle Times, Aug. 23, 2018.

August 9, 2018 Scientists Spent Years on a Plan to Import This Wasp to Kill Stink Bugs. Then It Showed Up on Its Own.

The samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) arrived by accident in the United States before scientists were ready to release it. Source: Science, Aug. 9, 2018.

July 18, 2018 Scientists Pick Up the Genetic Scent of Stink Bug Invaders

A new method that tests for insect DNA on farm produce could “revolutionize” agricultural pest surveillance. Source: Scientific American, July 12, 2018.

March 12, 2018 When Twenty-Six Thousand Stink Bugs Invade Your Home

These uniquely versatile bugs are decimating crops and infiltrating houses all across the country. Will we ever be able to get rid of them? Source: The New Yorker, Mar. 12, 2018.

March 7, 2018 A Look at Just How Invasive the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Is

NPR’s Ari Shapiro talks with Kathryn Schulz, who writes about the brown marmorated stink bug in the latest issue of The New Yorker. Source: NPR All Things Considered, Mar. 7, 2018.

February 20, 2018 Stink Bugs on Ships Disrupt Japan's Car Exports

A pesky insect known as the “stink bug” is preventing thousands of Japanese cars from being delivered to New Zealand. Source: CNN Money, Feb. 20, 2018.