Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is not currently established in Australia. However, it is occasionally intercepted at the border as a hitchhiker pest in internationally imported products between September and April. During this time additional measures are put in place for sea cargo at ports of entry around Australia. Information about this can be found at: Seasonal measures for BMSB.
Dorsal view of Halyomorpha halys (dark background)
Photo: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA
What is BMSB
BMSB is an exotic pest that causes major damage to agricultural crops, nursery stock and ornamental plants, feeding on more than 300 plant types. Originally from Eastern Asia it is now widespread in North America and Europe. BMSB shelters in large numbers in buildings, vehicles and machinery during winter months. BMSB can hitchhike in goods and personal effects from Northern Hemisphere countries during their winters. It produces a foul-smelling odour when it is disturbed or crushed. BMSB looks similar to native stink bugs, with the bands on antennae a distinguishing feature.
What is at Risk
BMSB is a high priority agricultural pest, feeding on many hosts, including apples, pears peaches, cherries, berries, grapes, grains, tomatoes, tree nuts and various ornamental and weed species.
BMSB can have a significant impact on agriculture, the environment and households. Feeding damage caused by the bugs saliva can affect fruit, kernels, buds, stems and bark, damage to crops can result from fruit drop, reduced fruit set and reduction in yield. The feeding damage can also result in unmarketable produce.
What is Biosecurity Tasmania Doing
Whilst BMSB has not established in Tasmania, it has occasionally been intercepted at the border. Biosecurity Tasmania conducts general and targeted surveillance on imported goods, shipping containers, agricultural machinery and on host plant material. This includes inspection of cargo, as well as insect trapping and surveillance on likely pathways under the National Plant Health Surveillance Program (NPHSP).
If a detection is made, an increased trapping and surveillance program is undertaken around the detection site to confirm that no further BMSB are present. Biosecurity Tasmania would work with the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to ensure all measures are taken to investigate the detection and prevent a population establishing.
What Should I Do
Use biosecurity practices and visually check your property, equipment, vehicles, houses, crops and gardens regularly for any unusual pests and diseases.
In Spring/Summer and potentially Autumn, BMSB will seek out ripe/ripening fruit to feed on. The pest prefers edges of crops and orchards, focus on those areas for visual surveillance. Check under leaves for juveniles and eggs.
Adults are attracted to light, check around outdoor lighting in the evening.
Anyone who works with or receives imported goods should keep an eye out for BMSB. If you notice any pests, contain them by closing containers or boxes if possible and don't move the products. Report the detection as soon as possible via the methods listed in the reporting section of this page. Regular visual surveillance is one of the most effective ways of finding this pest.
Brown marmorated stink bug eggs and juveniles
Photo: Bugwood.org
Reporting
If you find something you suspect is a BMSB or any other unusual pest or disease, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881
Alternatively, you can email photos, making sure to include information about location of pest and your contact details to Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au
Further Information