Brown marmorated stink bug adult (top) and nymph (bottom). [A. Ausmus]Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan) which was first sighted in the United States in 1996 in Allentown, PA, and reached California in 2006 (Pasadena and San Marino). It is currently established in several regions in California including Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Yolo, Sutter, Butte, and Siskiyou counties.
Since its introduction, BMSB has spread to 38 states on the East and West Coasts, where it has caused damage to fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. BMSB is also a significant nuisance pest for residents and businesses, since it may invade structures in large numbers for overwintering during the fall and winter. When disturbed or crushed, this bug produces a pungent odor (hence the name stink bug), unpleasant to many people.
In autumn, when temperatures begin to drop, BMSB adults seek shelter for overwintering and aggregate under dead tree bark, rocks, or in structures such as office buildings, houses, garages, and barns by entering through openings surrounding door frames and windows, vents, and other openings and cracks.
When individual bugs find a suitable place for overwintering, they release an aggregation pheromone that attracts other individuals; this is the reason behind their large numbers within structures and on plants.
Once inside, they enter narrow spaces within buildings and stay inactive most of the time. However, on warm winter days, they may become active again and might be seen on floors, walls, or flying around lights at night. Although BMSB does not damage structures or harm people, it is a nuisance, causing residents to seek control methods.
Brown marmorated stink bug adults aggregating underneath a tree branch. [B. Villegas]If BMSB adults find their way into a structure, the best ways to remove them are by sweeping, vacuuming, and hand-picking. However, these activities usually disturb the adults and trigger the release of their defensive odor, which can contaminate brooms and vacuum cleaner canisters or bags, as well as the floors and walls of the structure, making it difficult to remove them, especially when present in high numbers.
Brooms can be washed after use and vacuums can be customized by attaching a paint strainer (or nylon stocking) at the tip of the tube to prevent bugs from entering the vacuum cleaner bag or canister while vacuuming. Adult BMSB are attracted to light sources, especially to white light (also black or blue light) and fly toward them at night. An excellent way to trap and kill BMSB is to fill a large pan with soapy water and illuminate it with a desk lamp in a dark room at night. The bugs will be attracted to the light, fall into the water, and drown.
The long-term control solution to BMSB management is to prevent them from entering structures in the first place. BMSB has a high dispersal capability and consequently, properties can easily become invaded by BMSB from adjacent areas. Structures close to landscaped areas and especially weedy, neglected, or abandoned landscapes are more prone to BMSB infestations. For example, in one 2006 case in San Marino, CA, a garage adjacent to a neglected yard was invaded by so many BMSB adults that the homeowner could no longer park his car in the garage. Any time he did, the bugs would hide under the hood and when the car engine was started, adult bugs would produce their defensive odor, which entered the cabin through the vents.
To prevent BMSB from entering structures, exterior cracks need to be sealed using appropriate sealant materials such as caulk and sealant foams. Doors can be sealed using door sweeps and fitted thresholds. Gaps around window frames, pipes entering structures, and any opening on exterior walls and roofs should also be filled with an appropriate sealant material. Read more about ways to exclude seasonal nuisance pests from structures in this article from the November 2014 issue of UC IPM's Green Bulletin.
Good weed and pest management practices in gardens and landscapes surrounding structures can reduce BMSB populations from building up and invading nearby structures.
Applications of repellent insecticides may prevent BMSB from entering structures in some cases, but their effect may last only for a short time. Therefore, efficacy of such applications depends on the timing of application. Improperly sealed structures may get re-invaded in subsequent seasons by BMSB, so the best long-term solution practice is to invest resources into structural exclusion.
For more information see the UC IPM Pest Notes: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug at www.ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74169.html.
FAQs
With sun, sand, surf, and mountains, the West Coast state of California is known for its many attractions that lure travelers year-round. From famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood sign, to the Golden State's rich outdoor opportunities, this eclectic state makes for a well-rounded vacation.
Why do people love California? ›
However, the diversity, culture and natural beauty still make California an amazing place to call home for many. Once you've soaked up that California sun, breathed in that ocean air and enjoyed the beautiful landscapes this state has to offer, you'll see why so many folks happily call it home.
How is life in California? ›
California has pockets of crime, but is overall a safe place. However, in 2021, there was an increase in crime, including property crime, violent crime, and car theft. In cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, the unhoused population and gang activity increased in tandem with petty theft and crime.
How did California get its name for kids? ›
WHY'S IT CALLED THAT? The name California comes from a 16th-century Spanish novel that describes a mythical paradise called California. The gold rush probably helped earn California the nickname the Golden State, as did its golden poppies, the state flower.
Why is California so unique? ›
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Nevada mountains, California beckons with its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and a wealth of experiences waiting to be embraced. Here's why a visit to the Golden State promises an unforgettable adventure: Stunningly beautiful landscapes. Incredible national parks.
What are 5 cool facts about California? ›
Some important facts about California are highlighted in the lists below.
- Capital: Sacramento.
- Nickname: Golden State.
- Motto: “Eureka (I Have Found It)”
- Date California became a state: September 9, 1850.
- Population: (2023 est.) 38,965,193.
- Area: 163,695 square miles (423,967 square kilometers)
California's sunny climate, first-class universities and access to Silicon Valley and Hollywood has long made it a haven for wealthy people who play an outsized role in the state's economic fortunes. Its progressive tax system relies on the top 1% of earners for roughly 50% of personal income tax revenue.
Why is California the most fun state? ›
According to WalletHub, California has the most restaurants, movie theaters, performing arts theaters and fitness centers per capita. Mississippi is listed as the least fun state, followed by West Virginia and Delaware. WalletHub noted that marketing states as a "fun place" can be a challenge.
Is it smart to move to California? ›
Is California a Good Place To Live? It's a great place to live. California is the third-largest state in the country — and its most biodiverse. From the misty Redwood forests in the North to year-round sunshine on Southern California beaches, Californians have a picturesque landscape no matter where they look.
What is a California vibe? ›
A California vibe - could mean you are a laid back sort of person who doesn't get stressed out by things, and has a relaxed personality.. like someone who spends a lot of time hanging out at the beach, and maybe likes to surf. And maybe someone who smokes a lot of weed.
Self-reported overall life satisfaction was the same in both regions, but participants who rated a similar other expected Californians to be more satisfied than Midwesterners. Climate-related aspects were rated as more important for someone living in another region than for someone in one's own region.
What is the best state to live in? ›
According to the survey, health care and education were ranked highest, and had the most weight in determining the best states to live. Utah once again topped the list, followed by New Hampshire, Nebraska, Minnesota and Idaho rounding out the top five.
What is the motto of California? ›
The State Motto that appears on the State Seal is the Greek word Eureka – which means “I have found it!” These famous words were supposed to have been uttered by the ancient Greek scientist Archimedes (c. 287-212 B.C.E.)
What is the nickname for California? ›
Natural riches such as gold and silver are behind the nick- names of two states where they were found. California, which experienced the largest gold rush in the history of America is known as the Golden State, while neighbor- ing Nevada is the Silver State.
What is the popular female name in California? ›
According to data from the Social Security Administration, the most popular male name in California is Liam, while the most popular female name is Olivia. The study analyzed data on more than 10,000 names given to babies born in 2022 across the U.S. The latest data available is for the year 2022.
What made California so famous? ›
California is known for many things: sun-kissed beaches, redwood forests, fertile farmland, cable cars, box cars, and the entertainment industry, to name a few. In its nearly 170 years of history, there have been a number of events that shaped the Golden State.
Why is California the most famous state? ›
Rankings Scorecard
California, the most populous state in the nation, is home to Hollywood's stars, Silicon Valley's technology, Napa Valley's wines and ancient Redwood and Sequoia forests. The Golden State also is one of the country's wealthiest and most socially and politically influential.
Why is California the Golden State? ›
Answer and Explanation: California is recognized as The Golden State for various reasons: it's an homage to the Golden Gate Bridge, the natural beauty of the state, and the Gold Rush. The Golden Gate Bridge spans across the San Francisco Bay. This bridge is a famous landmark and built in the 1930's.
Why is California worth visiting? ›
From frothy coastlines to scenic deserts, expansive mountain ranges, buzzing metropolitan cities and more remote corners, California really has it all. Its terrain covers more than 1000 miles from north to south, and its diversity means there's always more to explore no matter how much time you have planned.
