Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSBs) are an agricultural pest the team at Fumigill team is regularly employed to deal with.
We provide effective treatments that protect those countries where the bugs are not native.
In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about the BMSB, from the dangers it poses to how we resolve the problems it causes.
Why are brown marmorated stink bugs dangerous?
On the surface, the BMSB appears harmless; it is relatively small, and more of a nuisance due to the pungent odour it releases when disturbed.
However, many people don’t know the species has posed a challenge for global agriculture over the years.
The stink bug feeds on all manner of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants, and the damage it causes can have significant consequences. T
The brown marmorated stink bug extracts the nutritional content of these crops by plunging its beak inside, leaving the plants looking puckered and impossible to market.
Without early intervention from pest control specialists, this species can quickly wipe out harvests and cause damage worth millions of pounds – something that inevitably takes a toll on the agricultural industry.
What makes this bug such a prominent threat is its ability to grow to full size in as little as a month and reproduce just as fast. Once it has entered an area, it won’t be long before the surroundings are plagued with stink bugs. With no natural predators, they become a growing threat.
What are the laws regarding BMSB and shipping and cargo containers?
In recent years, joint measures have been taken by authorities in Australia and New Zealand to prevent the brown marmorated stink bug from reaching their shores.
Globalisation has led to infestations reaching Europe and North America, and in response these countries have toughened restrictions. Seasonal measures are put in place with consistent guidelines to make it easier for cargo to be imported.
Australia and New Zealand have a joint ‘Offshore BMSB Treatment Providers Scheme‘ in place, and Fumigill is proud to be an approved treatment provider listed on their website.
Shipments and cargo will only be safely accepted if certification can be provided to prove that goods have been fumigated and made gas safe by one of the named approved providers.
How to identify you have a brown marmorated stink bug problem
If you have a stink bug infestation, it will soon become evident because they tend to be found in large numbers, either alive or dead. They can breed and grow at a rapid rate, and are usually found grouped in warmer locations during the spring and summer. In the colder months, they will hibernate in warehouses, silos, shipping containers and other sheltered spaces.
BMSB infestations are usually more obvious in agricultural settings because crops will be clearly damaged and left inedible. However, the presence of stink bugs, as the name suggests, is often confirmed by the foul odour they emit when crushed or disturbed.
Unlike other species, stink bugs don’t live or move in groups, so you will likely only spot one at a time, but this does not mean there aren’t more. One stink bug is a key indicator that there are more nearby.
What are your options to get rid of brown marmorated stink bugs?
It is essential that brown marmorated stink bug treatments are carried out as soon as an infestation is identified. Although it can be tempting to squish the bugs or eggs you find in hope of putting a stop to the problem, this is generally not recommended. Not only does the smell they emit leave a foul odour, but it can also often bring more stink bugs to the site.
When it comes to brown stink bugs, the best and most effective treatment that ensures both eggs and adult stink bugs are effectively eliminated is fumigation treatments. It is always advisable to promptly seek out the services of a professional BMSB fumigant specialist who can assess and evaluate the extent of the problem.
The team at Fumigill is approved and licensed to use both heat treatments and sulfuryl fluoride to quickly and efficiently deal with an infestation.
How to prevent BMSB problems in the future
In terms of prevention, there are a number of simple steps that can be taken on a range of sites to deter brown marmorated stink bugs:
- Reducing sources of outdoor lighting
- Fix cracks and holes that stink bugs can use to crawl inside
- Fix water pipes
- Remove or reduce access to sources of food
The brown marmorated stink bug exists throughout the year, and these simple steps can help prevent an infestation.
However, before a stink bug infestation gets worse, we advise employing a professional pest control service. Through using pressured gases, stink bugs can be safely and quickly dealt with.
Get in touch
If you are concerned about a potential infestation and would like to know more about the brown marmorated stink bug treatments we offer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Fumigill team today.
We have more than 25 years’ experience in the field, and are happy to answer any questions you have besides helping you devise a solution to your pest problem.
We are proud to offer a range of fumigation services throughout the UK, including BMSB Fumigation.
If you would like to know more, call us today on 0151 345 6854 or send an email to info@urbanhawks.co.uk.