Pest Alert

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)

Brown marmorated stink bug is an exotic pest that has had a major impact on agriculture in the eastern US.
It has been detected in Mesa County.
Use the picture as a guide for identification.
There are many species of native stink bugs in western Colorado, some of which can become agricultural pests.
Some of our local species are very similar to BMSB in appearance.
Look for a brown, not black or green stink bug with white bands on the antennae.
If you suspect you have seen BMSB please bring a specimen into the Tri River Area Extension Office.

Colorado State University
Stop BMSB Management of brown marmorated stink bug in US specialty crops
ARS Works Toward Control of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug article from AGResearch Magazine provided by United States Department of Agriculture
ARS Electronic Information Kit from Agricultural Research Service provided by United States Department of Agriculture

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is associated with crop lands adjacent to wood lots and forested areas where it is established in the eastern U.S. Tree-of-heaven appears to be especially favored by BMSB, and it is often used in survey for the stink bug.
We have been mapping tree of heaven distribution within the pest district boundaries in preparation for future surveys.
Tree-of-heaven is a weed, while not listed as a noxious weed in Colorado, tree-of-heaven reproduces aggressively from seed and should be controlled if possible.

An excellent overview of tree-of-heaven biology and control tactics from the University of Maryland.