Be aware during risk period for brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB)
The high risk period for brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) entering Australia runs from 1 September to 30 April each year. Growers across the horticulture sector are urged to remain vigilant with seasonal biosecurity measures and report anything unusual.
All states and territories are conducting increased surveillance at detection sites, surrounding areas and other high-risk facilities during this period. This increased surveillance includes trapping, visual monitoring and, in some cases, pesticide applications.
What is BMSB and why is it a concern?
BMSB is an exotic pest found overseas in parts of Asia, North America and Europe. It poses a significant threat to Australian agriculture due to its broad host range and damaging effects on vegetable and fruit crops and ornamental trees. Known to feed on over 300 plant species, BMSB causes significant damage to plant tissues through feeding activities.
Internationally, the damage in apple and pear crops can be severe if the pest is not managed. The damage caused by this pest will not usually cause tree death but will cause affected fruit to be unmarketable.
While BMSB detections at Australia’s borders are not uncommon, strict biosecurity measures help to prevent its entry and spread. The pest is a renowned seasonal hitchhiker associated with the arrival of imported goods and cargo, especially in containers or shipments of vehicles or agriculture machinery. Increased movement of containers and global shipping of international goods and online orders heightens this risk during peak seasons.
Adult brown marmorated stink bug. Photo: David R Lance, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
What to look for
Adults: Mottled/speckled brown insect with a shield-shaped appearance, measuring between 12mm and 17mm long, with a blunt head and antennae marked with at least one white band.
Nymphs: Young insect stages are orange and black when first hatched, ranging in size from 3mm to 12mm long and becoming similar in colour to adults.
Eggs: Laid in clusters on the underside of leaves, cream to yellow-orange in colour, measuring 1.6mm long.
BMSB nymph showing characteristic white bands on legs, antenna and along edge of body. Photo: Gary Bernon, USDA APHIS, Bugwood.org
BMSB eggs and nymphs. Photo: David R. Lance, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
What should I do?
All horticulture sectors should exercise greater caution during the present BMSB season, stay informed, monitor crops and facilities regularly, and take extra care with imported goods during this higher risk period.
- Familiarise yourself with the appearance of BMSB across its life stages.
- Inspect orchards, packing sheds, imported equipment, pallets and bins frequently.
- Maintain good hygiene and quarantine practices for the arrival of any goods or materials on your property.
If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or on your property, please contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry via this form: Report a pest or disease concern
Are there treatment options?
The Australian Government is considering potential pesticide options to safeguard against this pest. However, currently there are no registered chemical products for management of BMSB in apples and pears in Australia.
Growers already managing endemic stink bug species will be familiar with some control options that could potentially be useful for BMSB management. However, these are generally more broad-spectrum pesticides, and IPDM programs, WHPs and MRLs must be considered before use.
Internationally, parasitoid wasps and kaolin clay sprays have seen success in managing BMSB in situations where conventional pesticides cannot be used, for example, organic production.
Learn more
For further information on BMSB and the risk it poses to Australian agriculture, download Plant Health Australia’s BMSB Fact Sheet.
APAL continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates and resources on BMSB as they become available.
