Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a major threat to the New Zealand economy and the public. It's high on New Zealand's biosecurity most unwanted list.
It's in Asia and Europe, and has aggressively invaded the USA, where its caused millions of dollars of crop damage – rapidly rendering fruit and other produce unsaleable for example. It’s a tremendous public nuisance too, readily invading houses in cooler conditions.
In winter the stink bug hibernates in sheltered spaces; in buildings and vehicles for example. Thus cargo, containers, vehicle imports, personal luggage and mail are risk pathways for entry into New Zealand, especially during our spring to autumn seasons.
If you've purchased goods that have been recently sourced from Europe, Asia and the US, please check for any sign of BMSB hibernation. This includes personal goods such as items purchased over the internet - see MPI's web-page and fact sheet.
If you find one, or suspect you've found one, catch it, photograph it and call MPI’s Exotic Pests and Diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
MPI's BMSB web-page
MPI's BMSB fact sheet
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
If you find one of these catch it and call it in on 0800 80 99 66.
If possible photograph and/or collect samples.
Travellers and those receiving mail from overseas: Please make sure you open luggage and mail from overseas in an enclosed space to contain any hitch-hiking pests.
You can identify a BMSB by the following:
In this video, Ruud 'Bug Man' Kleinpaste explains why brown marmorated stink bugs will be so bad for New Zealand if they get established.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
BMSB eggs and nymphs