The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

One thing is for sure, this insect continues to spread across the U.S. at an alarming rate. [1].
             In the mid-Atlantic region, this insect has two generations per year, but this can vary depending upon the location. The BMSB begin their overwintering process as sexually immature adults and emerge in the spring. For about two weeks they feed to prepare for mating and ovipositing. The females lay approximately 240 eggs in their lifetime on the undersides of leaves in bunches of about 20-30 eggs. The eggs hatch between three to seven days and each nymph passes through five instars in about five weeks. [2] There have been significant damages reported due to the BMSB. By inserting their proboscis into the plants tissue, both the nymphs and the adults are able to extract fluids from the host. While the insects are feeding, digestive enzymes are released and kills the surrounding cells of the host and creates small necrotic areas at the feeding site. Especially in mature fruits, the damaged areas appear brown and pitted. If these pesky insects feed on fruits trees immediately following bloom, the fruit will abort prematurely because of the damage suffered. Injuries to soybeans can lead to pod discoloration, distortion and delayed senescence. [2] .
             Currently in the United States, there is no known parasitoids endemic that show any kind of promise in attempting to control this highly invasive species. In its native range of China, the Trissolcus halyomorphae Yang, an egg parasitism has been shown to cause an average annual egg parasitism rate of 50 percent on BMSB populations. This specific parasitoid has not been found in any of the populations in the United States. It is also the only known natural enemy of this insect identified to cause a mortality rate above 10 percent. Pesticides and insecticides have little to no effect on the BMSB. Lab trials have shown that there are some pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides being developed to control adult and fifth instar populations, but these chemicals are restricted during periods of high infestations.